paretic neurosyphilis


pa·ret·ic neu·ro·syph·i·lis

a type of later tertiary syphilis, clinically manifested by progressive dementia (often with delusional systems), seizures, Argyll-Robertson pupils, dysarthria, myoclonic jerks, action tremors, generalized hyperreflexia, and Babinski signs; pathologic studies reveal a chronic frontotemporoparietal meningoencephalitis; formerly one of the major causes for insanity. Synonym(s): chronic progressive syphilitic meningoencephalitis, general paresis

neurosyphilis

(nu?ro-sif'i-lis) Infection of the central nervous system with Treponema pallidum, the spirochete that causes syphilis. It may produce acute or chronic meningitis, dementia, damage to the posterior columns, gummatous lesions, or myelopathy. The disease is diagnosed most often when cerebrospinal fluid tests positive for syphilis on standard serological testing with Venereal Disease Research Laboratories. In patients with AIDS, neurosyphilis is more common and more difficult to eradicate than in those with intact immunity.

asymptomatic neurosyphilis

Neurosyphilis that is clinically occult. It is diagnosed by changes in spinal fluid.

meningovascular neurosyphilis

Meningovascular syphilis.

paretic neurosyphilis

Dementia paralytica.

tabetic neurosyphilis

Tabes dorsalis.