Tabes Dorsalis – Neurosyphilis — SCE Neurology MCQ

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ModerateCNS InfectionsTabes Dorsalis – NeurosyphilisSCE Neurology

A man has a positive CSF-VDRL with progressive sensory ataxia, lancinating leg pain, absent ankle reflexes and pupils that accommodate but do not react to light. Which late neurological manifestation of syphilis best explains this syndrome?

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Correct answer: A — Tabes dorsalis

Tabes dorsalis is a parenchymatous late neurosyphilis syndrome caused by dorsal-column and nerve-root involvement, producing lightning pains, sensory ataxia, areflexia and Argyll Robertson pupils. General paresis chiefly causes progressive cognitive and personality change; meningovascular disease causes arteritic stroke; acute meningitis occurs earlier; and gumma produces focal granulomatous lesions.

Reference: BASHH UK syphilis guideline 2024: https://www.bashh.org/_userfiles/pages/files/syphilis_2024.pdf?UNLID=712016336202581475056