Syphilitic myelopathy

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Superficial anterior muscles

Syphilitic myelopathy

Alternative Names:

Tabes dorsalis
Treatment:

The goals of treatment are to cure the infection and to reduce progression of the disorder. Treatment of the infection reduces new nerve damage and may reduce symptoms but does not cure existing nerve damage.

For neurosyphilis, aqueous penicillin G (by injection) is the drug of choice. Some patients with penicillin allergies may undergo desensitization to penicillin so that they can be safely treated with it.

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Treatment of symptoms is required for existing neurologic damage. Assistance or supervision may be needed if the person is unable to perform self-care activities (eating, dressing, etc.). Rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other interventions may be appropriate for people with muscle weakness.

Analgesics may be required to control pain. These may include over-the-counter medications such as aspirin (oral salicylates) or acetaminophen for mild pain but narcotics may be required. Anti-epilepsy drugs such as carbamazepine may have a role in the treatment of lightning pains.

Expectations (prognosis):

Progressive disability is possible if the disorder is left untreated.

Complications:

Difficulty with walking and balance
Other complications of neurosyphilis: dementia, strokes, eye disease
Other complications of late-stage syphilis infection
- inflammation of the aorta (aortitis) with aortic aneurysm
- disease of the heart valves
- destructive changes in bones, skin, and other organs

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if loss of coordination, loss of muscle strength, or loss of sensation occurs.