As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. becomes a more viable third-party candidate in the 2024 race, he faces increasing scrutiny and attacks. Recently, news stories have surfaced suggesting that Kennedy might be experiencing a brain condition caused by a brain-eating worm. This article aims to fact-check these claims and provide clarity on the situation.
More than ten years ago, in 2010, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discussed some health issues addressed by New York-Presbyterian Hospital. This topic resurfaced in a 2012 deposition under oath, where Kennedy reported cognitive issues. It was this deposition that led to the sensationalized story about a brain-eating worm.
Kennedy quipped in a post on X Wednesday, “I offer to eat five more brain worms and still beat President Trump and President Biden in a debate.”
What’s the Real Story Behind Kennedy’s Brain Worm?
Back in 2010, Kennedy experienced medical symptoms such as weakness and memory loss, which caused him concern. The doctor believed that the abnormality seen on his scans was caused by a worm or parasite that had entered his brain. While others at the time were concerned about a tumor, the diagnosis was cysticercosis, and Kennedy was experiencing memory issues as a result. Around that same time, Senator Ted Kennedy had passed away due to a brain tumor.
You may have heard that Kennedy said he had a brain-eating worm. Is that true? Let’s explore the reality of Kennedy’s brainworm diagnosis.
Cysticercosis is an infection resulting from larval cysts of the pork tapeworm. When these cysts are found in the brain, the condition is called neurocysticercosis. Humans contract neurocysticercosis by swallowing microscopic eggs. Experts say that while the larvae may cause inflammation, brain tissue is not ‘eaten’. This inflammation can also cause blindness, increased pressure in the brain, weakness, and headaches as the body fights the foreign invader. Those with a weakened immune system are more at risk than those who are generally healthy.
What’s the Real Story Behind Kennedy’s Brain Worm?
Debunking Myths: Kennedy’s Brain Worm
In an interview with The Times, Kennedy stated that he had recovered from the memory loss and fogginess and had no aftereffects from the parasite. For the majority of people who experience a single seizure, it becomes an inconvenience. The cysticercosis illness primarily causes inflammation as the body fights it. Again, this was a 2012 deposition and not a recent event or concern for his campaign.
The Political Implications
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has risen to be one of the most viable third-party options in the 2024 race. His campaign is doubling its efforts to obtain ballot access and increase the opportunity to be part of the CNN debate scheduled in just over 35 days. Misleading information about Kennedy’s health can hinder these efforts.
Adding to this, it’s important to clarify that Kennedy’s condition was never as sensational as some reports have implied. The notion that a worm “ate” his brain is a mischaracterization of the medical facts. Cysticercosis, while serious, is treatable and Kennedy has since fully recovered. His experience serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate medical reporting, especially when it involves public figures. The dissemination of false or exaggerated information can have significant consequences, not just for the individual involved, but for public perception and political campaigns.
Kennedy’s campaign team continues to address these misconceptions, emphasizing his good health and readiness to participate in the upcoming debate. The focus remains on the issues at hand and Kennedy’s policy positions, rather than sensationalized and outdated health concerns. The timing behind these stories seems linked to Kennedy gaining more popularity in current polling, making him a bigger threat to not one but both candidates.
As Biden’s poll numbers continue to soften, and Trump effectively uses his legal woes to draw more supporters, the two standard candidates become more polarizing. This leaves centrists and disenfranchised voters increasingly looking for alternatives. This makes Kennedy not just a threat to one candidate but to both other party candidates.
Editorial Perspective
This political take on the recent story about Kennedy’s brain worm is from the editors at Cox News 24. . We continue to explore the 2024 political race. As both Biden and Trump begin to attack the Kennedy 2024 run. It appears that as the two main candidates become more polarizing the typical foundation of the candidates erodes, creating an opportunity for a 3rd party run. We encourage voters to explore the facts and fiction behind the political news cycles.