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Neurosyphilis

Symptoms: Headache Stiff neck Irritability Poor concentration Mental confusion Depression Visual disturbances Abnormal reflexes Abnormal gait (walk) Incontinence Dementia Weakness, numbness of lower extremities Muscle function/feeling loss Muscle contractions Muscle atrophy Note: There may be no symptoms (in the asymptomatic form) Signs and tests: Tests to detect syphilis include detection of antibodies in blood. These are non-treponemal tests (VDRL, RPR). These are not specific and are used as screening tests. If positive the diagnosis of syphilis is confirmed using treponemal tests (e.g., FTA-Abs or MHATP). In neurosyphilis, it is important to test for VDRL in the spinal fluid. Tests to evaluate the nervous system may include: Examination of cranial nerves Lumbar puncture and a CSF fluid analysis. Cranial CT scan MRI scan of the brain, brainstem, or spinal cord Cerebral angiogram Text Continues Below

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