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Syphilitic myelopathy
Definition
Syphilitic myelopathy is a complication of untreated syphilis that involves muscle weakness and abnormal sensations.
Alternative Names
Locomotor ataxia
Causes
Syphilitic myelopathy is a form of neurosyphilis, which is a complication of late or tertiary syphilis infection. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection. For information on the disease, see: Syphilis.
The condition called tabes dorsalis includes syphilitic myelopathy and other symptoms of nerve damage.
The infection damages the spinal cord and peripheral nervous tissue.
Syphilitic myelopathy is now very rare because syphilis is usually treated early in the disease. Blood tests can identify the disease in its silent (latent) form. People who donate blood and pregnant women are given these tests.
Symptoms
- Abnormal sensations (paresthesia), often called "lightning pains"
- Difficulty walking
- Loss of coordination
- Loss of reflexes
- Muscle weakness
- Wide-based gait (the person walks with the legs far apart)
In syphilitic myelopathy, there are also symptoms of nervous system damage, including:
- Mental illness
- Stroke
- Vision changes
Exams and Tests
Physical examination may show:
- Damage to the spinal cord (myelopathy)
- Pupils that react abnormally to light
- Reduced or absent reflexes due to nerve damage
Tests may include the following:
- CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) examination
- Head CT, spine CT, or MRI scans of the brain and spinal cord to rule out other diseases
- Serum VDRL or serum RPR (used as a screening test for syphilis infection -- if it is positive, one of the following tests will be needed to confirm the diagnosis):
- FTA-ABS
- MHA-TP
Treatment
The goals of treatment are to cure the infection and slow the progression of the disorder. Treating the infection helps prevent new nerve damage and may reduce symptoms, but it does not reverse existing nerve damage.
For neurosyphilis, aqueous penicillin G (by injection) is the drug of choice. Some patients with penicillin allergies may have to be desensitized to penicillin so that they can be safely treated with it.
Symptoms of existing neurologic damage need to be treated. People who are unable to eat, dress themselves, or take care of themselves may need help. Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and occupational therapy may help people who have muscle weakness.
You may need analgesics to control pain. These may include over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or acetaminophen for mild pain, or narcotics for more severe pain. Anti-epilepsy drugs such as carbamazepine may help treat lightning pains.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Progressive disability is possible if the disorder is left untreated.
Possible Complications
- Complications of late-stage syphilis infection, which may include:
- Inflammation of the aorta (aortitis) with aortic aneurysm
- Disease of the heart valves
- Damage to bones, skin, and other organs
- Complications of neurosyphilis, including dementia, stroke, eye disease
- Difficulty with walking and balance
- Paralysis
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have:
- Loss of coordination
- Loss of muscle strength
- Loss of sensation
Prevention
Proper treatment and follow-up of primary syphilis infections reduces the risk of developing syphilitic myelopathy.
If you are sexually active, practice safe sex and always use a condom.
All pregnant women should be screened for syphilis.
References
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for syphilis infection in pregnancy: reaffirmation recommendation statement. Ann Fam Med. 2009;150:705-709.
Tremont EC. Treponema pallidum (syphilis). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2009: chap 238.
Workowski KA, Berman S; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2010. MMWR. 2010 Dec 17;59(RR-12):1-110.
Hook EW III. Syphilis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 327.
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington. Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
