Tabes Dorsalis overview

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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.