Neurosyphilis

Definition

Neurosyphilis is an infection of the brain or spinal cord that occurs approximately 10–20 years following untreated syphilis. It is caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. There are multiple types of neurosyphilis. Four common types are asymptomatic neurosyphilis, meningovascular syphilis, tabes dorsalis, and general paresis. Patients with asymptomatic neurosyphilis typically display no physical symptoms but have abnormal CSF. Meningovascular syphilis may now be the most common form of neurosyphilis and is associated with cerebrovascular accidents and sudden onset of motor and sensory signs and mental confusion. In tabes dorsalis, which affects the dorsal columns of the spinal cord, patients experience sharp pains, ataxia, urinary incontinence, and altered reflexes and vibratory position sense in the feet and legs. Patients with general paresisdisplay insidious onset of memory impairment along with decline in other cognitive abilities, which may result in dementia. In...