Tabes Dorsalis overview
|
Tabes Dorsalis Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Tabes Dorsalis overview On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Tabes Dorsalis overview |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Tabes Dorsalis overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Tabes dorsalis is a slow degeneration of the nerve cells and nerve fibers that carry sensory information to the brain. The degenerating nerves are in the dorsal columns of the spinal cord (the portion closest to the back of the body) and carry information that help maintain a person's sense of position.
Causes
Tabes dorsalis is a form of neurosyphilis, which is a complication of late or tertiary syphilis infection. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted, infectious disease. The infection damages the spinal cord and peripheral nervous tissue.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Tabes dorsalis is now very rare because syphilis is usually treated early in the disease.
Diagnosis
CT
A head CT or a spine CT can be performed on the brain and spinal cord to help rule out other diseases.
MRI
An MRI scan can be performed on the brain and spinal cord to help rule out other diseases.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Penicillin, administered intravenously, is the treatment of choice. Associated pain can be treated with opiates, valproate, or carbamazepine. Patients may also require physical or rehabilitative therapy to deal with muscle wasting and weakness. Preventive treatment for those who come into sexual contact with an individual with tabes dorsalis is important.