Meningeal syphilis

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Meningeal syphilis
Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, fever
Complications	Seizures, stroke, hydrocephalus, cranial nerve palsies
Onset	Weeks to years after initial infection
Duration	Variable
Types	N/A
Causes	Treponema pallidum infection
Risks	Untreated syphilis, HIV infection
Diagnosis	Lumbar puncture, VDRL test on cerebrospinal fluid
Differential diagnosis	Bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis, tuberculous meningitis
Prevention	Safe sex, screening and treatment of syphilis
Treatment	Intravenous penicillin
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with treatment, poor if untreated
Frequency	Rare in developed countries, more common in areas with high rates of untreated syphilis
Deaths	N/A

Syphilis lesions on back

Pupil affected by syphilis

Tuberculous meningitis scan

Tuberculous meningitis autopsy

Treponema pallidum

Meningeal syphilis is a form of syphilis that affects the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This condition is a complication of untreated or inadequately treated syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

Symptoms

The symptoms of meningeal syphilis can vary widely, but often include headache, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light. Other symptoms may include fever, fatigue, and changes in behavior or mental status. In severe cases, meningeal syphilis can lead to neurosyphilis, a more serious condition that can cause neurological damage.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of meningeal syphilis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test is often used to detect antibodies to Treponema pallidum in the blood. If the VDRL test is positive, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may be performed to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for further testing.

Treatment

Treatment for meningeal syphilis typically involves antibiotics, usually penicillin. In some cases, other medications may be used if the patient is allergic to penicillin. It is important to start treatment as soon as possible to prevent further complications.

Prevention

Prevention of meningeal syphilis involves preventing syphilis infection in the first place. This can be achieved through safe sex practices, regular testing for sexually transmitted infections, and prompt treatment of syphilis if it is detected.

See also

• Syphilis
• Neurosyphilis
• Meningitis
• Sexually transmitted infections

References

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