Tabes Dorsalis Syndrome - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

A Complete Guide of Tabes Dorsalis Syndrome

Tabes dorsalis is a rare neurological disorder that develops slowly over time. It affects movement, balance, and sensation, often causing sharp pain and coordination problems. Read on to learn about everything that this syndrome entails.

What Causes Tabes Dorsalis Syndrome?

Tabes dorsalis is a late-stage neurosyphilis that develops years after the first infection. Syphilis happens due to a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. If the infection is left untreated, it slowly spreads throughout the body. After 10 to 30 years, it damages the spinal cord and brain. When it reaches the spinal cord, it causes tabes dorsalis.

Modern antibiotics, such as penicillin, have made this condition rarer. However, in people who have weak immune systems or those who miss early treatment, syphilis can still progress to this critical stage.

Symptoms of Tabes Dorsalis

People with tabes dorsalis may experience a combination of sensory, physical and autonomic symptoms that worsen gradually over time. These symptoms result from damage to the dorsal columns of the spinal cord, which are responsible for carrying sensory signals related to touch, vibration and position.

Here are a few of the most common ones:

• Loss of balance, especially in the dark.
• Numbness or tingling in the legs and feet.
• Stabbing or shooting sensations in the legs and back.
• Trouble walking and an unsteady gait.
• Reduced reflexes, especially in the knees and ankles.
• Weakness in muscles.
• Bladder issues and difficulty controlling urine.
   

Diagnosis of Tabes Dorsalis Syndrome

Doctors diagnose tabes dorsalis by using a mix of medical history, symptoms, and tests. If a patient has a history of untreated syphilis and shows signs of nerve damage, then the doctor may suspect neurosyphilis. Some of the tests include:

• Blood tests for syphilis antibodies.
• MRI scans are used to check for the spinal cord and brain.
• Spinal fluid analysis to look for infection in the nervous system.
• Neurological exams to test balance, reflexes,and muscle strength.
   

An early diagnosis is vital. It can help slow the disease’s progress and reduce damage.

Treatment of Tabes Dorsalis Syndrome

The main treatment for tabes dorsalis is antibiotic therapy. It is generally a high-dose penicillin that is given through an IV. It stops the infection from worsening. However, it cannot reverse the nerve damage that has already been done.

Here are a few other treatments that focus on the management of symptoms:

• Pain relief, like anti-seizure drugs or antidepressants that help with nerve pain.
• Physiotherapy to improve movement and strength.
• Walking aids like sticks or walkers.
• Bladder training or the use of catheters in severe cases.
• Regular follow-ups to check for disease progress or complications.

What is the Difference Between Neurosyphilis and Tabes Dorsalis?

Neurosyphilis and tabes dorsalis are related yet not the same. Here is a list of some differences based on different aspects between them:

Prevention of Tabes Dorsalis

Tabes dorsalis is a preventable condition. By treating syphilis early on and practising safe behaviours, individuals can avoid this late-stage complication. Here are a few key strategies to reduce this risk:

● Get Treated for Syphilis Regularly

Routine sexual health check-ups can detect syphilis before it progresses. Sexually active people, especially those with multiple partners or in high-risk groups, should undergo regular screening.

● Practice Safe Sexual Intercourse

Using condoms and having open conversations with partners about sexual health reduces the chance of contracting syphilis. These precautions are very crucial even when symptoms are not present. This is because syphilis often spreads silently in the early stages.

● Monitor Existing Infections Closely

People already diagnosed with neurological conditions can detect early signs of complications. An early intervention can help to slow down or even stop the development of tabes dorsalis.

● Promote Public Awareness and Access to Care

Community education plays a crucial role in preventing tabes dorsalis. Public health campaigns help raise awareness about the condition and its long-term consequences, motivating individuals to undergo testing.

Improved access to testing increases the chances of early diagnosis and treatment, particularly among vulnerable populations, ultimately reducing the risk of severe complications.

Tabes dorsalis is a serious but preventable condition. Understanding its causes and symptoms is vital for early detection. A prompt diagnosis is essential to avoid any long-term damage from it.