Cerebral malaria is a severe and life-threatening form of malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. It results in altered mental status and sometimes coma due to lesions in the brain. Symptoms include fever, seizures, coma, and retinal changes. It primarily affects young children in malaria-endemic areas and can cause death within 24-72 hours if not treated promptly. Treatment involves antimalarial drugs like quinine along with supportive measures.