Neurosyphilis

**Definition:** Infections of the central nervous system caused by TREPONEMA PALLIDUM which present with a variety of clinical syndromes. The initial phase of infection usually causes a mild or asymptomatic meningeal reaction. The meningovascular form may present acutely as BRAIN INFARCTION. The infection may also remain subclinical for several years. Late syndromes include general paresis; TABES DORSALIS; meningeal syphilis; syphilitic OPTIC ATROPHY; and spinal syphilis. General paresis is characterized by progressive DEMENTIA; DYSARTHRIA; TREMOR; MYOCLONUS; SEIZURES; and Argyll-Robertson pupils. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp722-8)

**Tree numbers:** - C01.150.252.223.600 - C01.150.252.400.794.840.500.750 - C01.150.252.400.840.500.750 - C01.207.180.600 - C10.228.228.180.600

**Synonyms:** - Syphilis, Central Nervous System - Central Nervous System Syphilis - Syphilis, CNS