Neurosyphilis

Syphilitic infection of the nervous system.

Syphilis which attacks the nervous system.

Infection of the central nervous system by the organism causing syphilis.

Infection of the central nervous system with Treponema pallidum, causing dementia and other degenerative changes; may be asymptomatic or involve the meninges and vascular structures in the brain and/or spinal cord.

Syphilis that affects the brain or spinal cord; usually seen in the late stages of untreated syphilis.

A progressive, destructive, life-threatening infection of the brain and spinal cord that occurs in some cases of untreated syphilis. Neurosyphilis is a complication that develops many years after a primary syphilitic infection. It occurs more frequently in men than in women. There are four types of neurosyphilis: asymptomatic, meningovascular, tabes dorsalis, and general paresis. In asymptomatic neurosyphilis, there are abnormalities in cerebrospinal fluid, but no symptoms. Treatment at this time may prevent symptoms from developing.

Infection of the central nervous system with Treponema pallidum, the spirochete that causes syphilis. It may produce acute or chronic meningitis, dementia, damage to the posterior columns, gummatous lesions, or myelopathy. The disease is diagnosed most often when cerebrospinal fluid tests positive for syphilis on standard serological testing with Venereal Disease Research Laboratories. In patients with AIDS, neurosyphilis is more common and more difficult to eradicate than in those with intact immunity.

An infection of the brain or spinal cord that develops several years after the initial syphilis infection if left untreated.

Neurosyphilis can harm the spinal cord, leading to tabes dorsalis, a disorder marked by uncoordinated leg movements during walking, unexpected abdominal and limb pain, and urinary incontinence. When the brain is affected, it can result in cognitive decline, muscular weakness, and in some instances, complete limb paralysis.