• Home

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

General paresis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Treatment:

The goals of treatment are to cure the infection and reduce progression of the disorder. Treatment of the infection will reduce new nerve damage, but will not cure existing damage. Penicillin or other antibiotics, such as doxycycline, are given to treat the infection. Treatment may be prolonged to ensure that the infection is completely cleared. A follow-up examination of the cerebrospinal fluid is required to evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy.

Symptomatic treatment is required for existing neurologic damage. Emergency treatment of seizures may be required. Anticonvulsants (such as phenytoin) may be needed to control seizures.

Assistance or supervision with such activities as eating and dressing may be needed if patients are unable to care for themselves. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other interventions may be appropriate for people with muscle weakness.

Expectations (prognosis):

Progressive disability is likely. People with late syphilis infections are more prone to the development of other infections and diseases. If not treated, progressive disability is likely.

Complications:

Complications include the inability to care for oneself, the inability to communicate or interact, injury caused during seizures, and injury from falls (related to unsteady gait).

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if the symptoms of general paresis are present, particularly if there is a known history of syphilis infection.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if seizures occur.

References:

Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry . 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004:404-406.

Goetz, CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology . 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2003: 931-933.

• Review Date: 4/28/2006
• Reviewed By: 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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.