BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuSyphilitic aseptic meningitisMeningitis - syphilitic; Neurosyphilis - syphilitic meningitisSyphilitic aseptic meningitis, or syphilitic meningitis, is a complication of untreated syphilis. It involves inflammation of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord caused by this bacterial infection. These tissues are called the meninges.MeningitisMeningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This covering is called the meninges.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SyphilisSyphilis is a bacterial infection that is most often spread through sexual contact.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Syphilitic meningitis is a form of neurosyphilis. This condition is a life-threatening complication of syphilis infection. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection.NeurosyphilisNeurosyphilis is a bacterial infection of the brain or spinal cord. It usually occurs in people who have had untreated syphilis for many years....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Syphilitic meningitis is similar to meningitis caused by other germs (organisms), but it doesn't develop as quickly.Risks for syphilitic meningitis include a past infection with syphilis or other sexually transmitted illnesses such as gonorrhea. Syphilis infections are mainly spread through sex with an infected person. Sometimes, they may be passed by nonsexual contact.GonorrheaGonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI).Read Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Symptoms of syphilitic meningitis may include:Changes in vision, such as blurred vision, decreased vision Changes in visionThere are many types of eye problems and vision disturbances, such as: Halos Blurred vision (the loss of sharpness of vision and the inability to see...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fever Headache Mental status changes, including confusion, decreased attention span, and irritability Confusion,Confusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nausea and vomiting Stiff neck or shoulders, muscle aches Seizures SeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sensitivity to light (photophobia) and loud noises PhotophobiaPhotophobia is eye discomfort in bright light.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sleepiness, lethargy, hard to wake upLethargyFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical exam. This may show problems with the nerves, including nerves that control eye movement.Tests may include:Cerebral angiography to check blood flow in the brain Cerebral angiographyCerebral angiography is a procedure that uses a special dye (contrast material) and x-rays to see how blood flows through the brain.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure electrical activity in the brain EEGAn electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test to measure the electrical activity of the brain.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Head CT scan Head CT scanA head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Spinal tap to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for examination Spinal tapCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood test to screen for a syphilis infection If screening tests indicate a syphilis infection, more tests are done to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment The goals of treatment are to cure the infection and stop symptoms from getting worse. Treating the infection helps prevent new nerve damage and may reduce symptoms. Treatment does not reverse existing damage.Medicines likely to be given include:Penicillin or other antibiotics (such as tetracycline or erythromycin) for a long time to make sure the infection goes away Medicines for seizures Outlook (Prognosis) Some people may need help eating, dressing, and caring for themselves. Confusion and other mental changes may either improve or continue long-term after antibiotic treatment.Late-stage syphilis can cause nerve or heart damage. This can lead to disability and death. Possible Complications Complications may include:Inability to care for self Inability to communicate or interact Seizures that may result in injury Stroke When to Contact a Medical Professional Go to the emergency room or call 911 or the local emergency number if you have seizures.Contact your provider if you have a severe headache with fever or other symptoms, especially if you have a history of syphilis infection. Prevention Proper treatment and follow-up of syphilis infections will reduce the risk of developing this type of meningitis.If you are sexually active, practice safer sex and always use condoms.Practice safer sexSafe sex means taking steps before and during sex that can prevent you from getting an infection, or from giving an infection to your partner....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article All pregnant women should be screened for syphilis.Open ReferencesReferencesHasbun R, van de Beek D, Brouwer MC, Tunkel AR. Acute meningitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 87.Radolf JD, Tramont EC, Salazar JC. Syphilis (Treponema pallidum). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 237.AllVideoImagesTogMeninges of the brain - illustration The organs of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) are covered by connective tissue layers collectively called the meninges. Consisting of the pia mater (closest to the CNS structures), the arachnoid and the dura mater (farthest from the CNS), the meninges also support blood vessels and contain cerebrospinal fluid. These are the structures involved in meningitis, an inflammation of the meninges, which, if severe, may become encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.Meninges of the brainillustrationMeninges of the spine - illustration The organs of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) are covered by 3 connective tissue layers collectively called the meninges. Consisting of the pia mater (closest to the CNS structures), the arachnoid and the dura mater (farthest from the CNS), the meninges also support blood vessels and contain cerebrospinal fluid. These are the structures involved in meningitis, an inflammation of the meninges, which, if severe, may become encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.Meninges of the spineillustrationCentral nervous system and peripheral nervous system - illustration The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.Central nervous system and peripheral nervous systemillustrationPrimary syphilis - illustration Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Primary syphilis presents as a small painless open sore 3 to 6 weeks after exposure. Although the lesion heals within 6 to 8 weeks, the untreated organism will continue to multiply unchecked, causing many complications. Infection may last for 30 years or more and result in severe neurological complications.Primary syphilisillustrationSyphilis - secondary on the palms - illustration Secondary syphilis is one of the few infectious diseases that produces rashes on the palms and soles, as well as a generalized rash. If an ulcer on the penis is followed several weeks later by a rash, the person should always be evaluated for syphilis.Syphilis - secondary on the palmsillustrationLate-stage syphilis - illustration Tertiary syphilis is a late stage of the disease which can follow the initial infection, primary syphilis, by several years. Pockets of damage accumulate in various tissues such as the bones, skin, nervous tissue, heart, and arteries. These lesions are called gummas and are very destructive.Late-stage syphilisillustrationCSF cell count - illustration CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) is a clear fluid that circulates in the space surrounding the spinal cord and brain. A CSF cell count is a test to measure the number of red and white blood cells that are in CSF. CSF cell countillustrationCSF test for syphilis - illustration Venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL) of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is used to screen for syphilis. CSF is a clear fluid that circulates in the space surrounding the spinal cord.CSF test for syphilisillustrationMeninges of the brain - illustration The organs of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) are covered by connective tissue layers collectively called the meninges. Consisting of the pia mater (closest to the CNS structures), the arachnoid and the dura mater (farthest from the CNS), the meninges also support blood vessels and contain cerebrospinal fluid. These are the structures involved in meningitis, an inflammation of the meninges, which, if severe, may become encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.Meninges of the brainillustrationMeninges of the spine - illustration The organs of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) are covered by 3 connective tissue layers collectively called the meninges. Consisting of the pia mater (closest to the CNS structures), the arachnoid and the dura mater (farthest from the CNS), the meninges also support blood vessels and contain cerebrospinal fluid. These are the structures involved in meningitis, an inflammation of the meninges, which, if severe, may become encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.Meninges of the spineillustrationCentral nervous system and peripheral nervous system - illustration The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.Central nervous system and peripheral nervous systemillustrationPrimary syphilis - illustration Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Primary syphilis presents as a small painless open sore 3 to 6 weeks after exposure. Although the lesion heals within 6 to 8 weeks, the untreated organism will continue to multiply unchecked, causing many complications. Infection may last for 30 years or more and result in severe neurological complications.Primary syphilisillustrationSyphilis - secondary on the palms - illustration Secondary syphilis is one of the few infectious diseases that produces rashes on the palms and soles, as well as a generalized rash. If an ulcer on the penis is followed several weeks later by a rash, the person should always be evaluated for syphilis.Syphilis - secondary on the palmsillustrationLate-stage syphilis - illustration Tertiary syphilis is a late stage of the disease which can follow the initial infection, primary syphilis, by several years. Pockets of damage accumulate in various tissues such as the bones, skin, nervous tissue, heart, and arteries. These lesions are called gummas and are very destructive.Late-stage syphilisillustrationCSF cell count - illustration CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) is a clear fluid that circulates in the space surrounding the spinal cord and brain. A CSF cell count is a test to measure the number of red and white blood cells that are in CSF. CSF cell countillustrationCSF test for syphilis - illustration Venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL) of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is used to screen for syphilis. CSF is a clear fluid that circulates in the space surrounding the spinal cord.CSF test for syphilisillustrationRelated Information Confusion(Symptoms)Neurosyphilis(Condition)Meningitis(Condition)Headache(Symptoms) Review Date: 9/10/2022 Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Syphilitic aseptic meningitisMeningitis - syphilitic; Neurosyphilis - syphilitic meningitisSyphilitic aseptic meningitis, or syphilitic meningitis, is a complication of untreated syphilis. It involves inflammation of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord caused by this bacterial infection. These tissues are called the meninges.MeningitisMeningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This covering is called the meninges.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SyphilisSyphilis is a bacterial infection that is most often spread through sexual contact.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Syphilitic meningitis is a form of neurosyphilis. This condition is a life-threatening complication of syphilis infection. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection.NeurosyphilisNeurosyphilis is a bacterial infection of the brain or spinal cord. It usually occurs in people who have had untreated syphilis for many years....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Syphilitic meningitis is similar to meningitis caused by other germs (organisms), but it doesn't develop as quickly.Risks for syphilitic meningitis include a past infection with syphilis or other sexually transmitted illnesses such as gonorrhea. Syphilis infections are mainly spread through sex with an infected person. Sometimes, they may be passed by nonsexual contact.GonorrheaGonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI).Read Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Symptoms of syphilitic meningitis may include:Changes in vision, such as blurred vision, decreased vision Changes in visionThere are many types of eye problems and vision disturbances, such as: Halos Blurred vision (the loss of sharpness of vision and the inability to see...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fever Headache Mental status changes, including confusion, decreased attention span, and irritability Confusion,Confusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nausea and vomiting Stiff neck or shoulders, muscle aches Seizures SeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sensitivity to light (photophobia) and loud noises PhotophobiaPhotophobia is eye discomfort in bright light.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sleepiness, lethargy, hard to wake upLethargyFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical exam. This may show problems with the nerves, including nerves that control eye movement.Tests may include:Cerebral angiography to check blood flow in the brain Cerebral angiographyCerebral angiography is a procedure that uses a special dye (contrast material) and x-rays to see how blood flows through the brain.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure electrical activity in the brain EEGAn electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test to measure the electrical activity of the brain.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Head CT scan Head CT scanA head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Spinal tap to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for examination Spinal tapCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood test to screen for a syphilis infection If screening tests indicate a syphilis infection, more tests are done to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment The goals of treatment are to cure the infection and stop symptoms from getting worse. Treating the infection helps prevent new nerve damage and may reduce symptoms. Treatment does not reverse existing damage.Medicines likely to be given include:Penicillin or other antibiotics (such as tetracycline or erythromycin) for a long time to make sure the infection goes away Medicines for seizures Outlook (Prognosis) Some people may need help eating, dressing, and caring for themselves. Confusion and other mental changes may either improve or continue long-term after antibiotic treatment.Late-stage syphilis can cause nerve or heart damage. This can lead to disability and death. Possible Complications Complications may include:Inability to care for self Inability to communicate or interact Seizures that may result in injury Stroke When to Contact a Medical Professional Go to the emergency room or call 911 or the local emergency number if you have seizures.Contact your provider if you have a severe headache with fever or other symptoms, especially if you have a history of syphilis infection. Prevention Proper treatment and follow-up of syphilis infections will reduce the risk of developing this type of meningitis.If you are sexually active, practice safer sex and always use condoms.Practice safer sexSafe sex means taking steps before and during sex that can prevent you from getting an infection, or from giving an infection to your partner....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article All pregnant women should be screened for syphilis.Open ReferencesReferencesHasbun R, van de Beek D, Brouwer MC, Tunkel AR. Acute meningitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 87.Radolf JD, Tramont EC, Salazar JC. Syphilis (Treponema pallidum). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 237.