Tabes dorsalis

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. Tabes dorsalis is the result of an untreated syphilis infection. Tabes dorsalis is much more common in men than women, and usually starts in mid-life.

Symptoms, which may not appear for some decades after the initial infection, include:

• Weakness
• Diminished reflexes
• Unsteady gait
• Progressive degeneration of the joints
• Episodes of intense pain and disturbed sensation
• Loss of coordination
• Personality changes
• Dementia
• Deafness
• Visual impairment
• Impaired response to light

Penicillin, administered intravenously, is the treatment of choice. Pain can be treated with opiates, valproate, or carbamazepine. Some people also may 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. If left untreated, tabes dorsalis can lead to paralysis, dementia, and blindness. Existing nerve damage cannot be reversed.

How can I or my loved one help improve care for people with tabes dorsalis?

Consider participating in a clinical trial so clinicians and scientists can learn more about tabes dorsalis and related disorders. Clinical research uses human volunteers to help researchers learn more about a disorder and perhaps find better ways to safely detect, treat, or prevent disease.

All types of volunteers are needed—those who are healthy or may have an illness or disease—of all different ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities to ensure that study results apply to as many people as possible and that treatments will be safe and effective for everyone who will use them.

For information about participating in clinical research visit NIH Clinical Research Trials and You. Learn about clinical trials currently looking for people with tabes dorsalis at Clinicaltrials.gov.

Where can I find more information about tabes dorsalis?

The following resources may provide more information:

MedlinePlus

PubMed

Content source: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/tabes-dorsalis Accessed June 29, 2023.

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