tabes dorsalis

Syphilis of the spinal cord. Clinical manifestations: 1) neurologic manifestations a) sudden pains in trunk & lower limbs b) paresthesias c) positive Rhomberg sign d) lost vibratory sensation e) absent deep tendon reflexes (DTR) f) ataxia accentuated in the dark 2) abdominal pain & vomiting with relaxed abdomen (tabes crisis) 3) urinary incontinence 4) impotence 5) eye manifestations a) visual impairment b) Argyl Robertson pupil c) ocular palsies 6) Charcot joints Laboratory: 1) positive serologic tests for syphilis 2) elevated serum globulin 3) lumbar puncture a) elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure b) positive CSF VDRL

References

DeGowin & DeGowin's Diagnostic Examination, 6th edition, RL DeGowin (ed), McGraw Hill, NY 1994, pg 937