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Neurosyphilis - Symptom

Symptoms:

  • Headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Irritability
  • Poor concentration
  • Mental confusion
  • Depression
  • Visual disturbances
  • Abnormal reflexes
  • Abnormal gait (walk)
  • Incontinence
  • Dementia
  • Weakness, numbness of lower extremities
  • Loss of muscle function
  • Muscle contractions
  • Muscle atrophy
Note: There may be no symptoms

Signs and tests:

Blood tests can be done to detect substances produced by the bacteria that causes syphilis. The oldest test is the VDRL test.

In neurosyphilis, it is important to test the spinal fluid for signs of syphilis. Tests to look for problems with the nervous system may include:

  • Reviewed last on: 3/5/2007
  • Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

References

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2005:2274-2276.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Syphilis Infection: Recommendation Statement. Ann Fam Med 2004; 2: 362-365.