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Syphilitic aseptic meningitis

Alternative Names: Meningitis - syphilitic Symptoms: Headache Nausea, vomiting Stiff neck Neck pain Stiffness of shoulders, other muscle aches Fever Sensitivity to light (photophobia) Sensitivity to loud noises Mental status changes Confusion Disorientation Decreased attention span Irritability Sleepy, lethargic, hard to arouse Changes in vision, blurred vision, decreased vision Seizures Signs and tests: An examination may indicate meningitis. Focal neurologic deficits (localized loss of nerve functions) may be present. A neurologic examination may show reduced cranial nerve function, including the nerves that control eye movement. Text Continues Below Tests may include: EEG (electroencephalogram) if seizures are present. Head CT scan. Cerebral angiography if vascular symptoms are present. Serum VDRL or serum RPR (used as screening tests to detect syphilis infection) -- if positive, requires one the following to confirm diagnosis: FTA-ABS MHA-TP CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) examination

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