NEUROSYPHILIS: A BRIEF REVIEW

Abstract

Neurosyphilis (NS) designates all the adverse effects on the central nervous system (CNS) caused by Treponema pallidum. It occurs at the third stage of syphilis in about 10% of patients with untreated primary infection. Despite a significant decrease in the incidence of neurosyphilis during the last three decades, the invasion of the human nervous system still takes place and the clinical presentation does not follow the traditional evolution of the pre-antibiotic era. At present, it is observed that NS may present clinical features very similar to those of other illnesses of the nervous system, and can be mistaken, even after years of follow-up, for neurological or psychiatric illnesses. In this work, we conducted an historical, epidemiological, conceptual, clinical and diagnostic review, with the purpose of expanding the knowledge and improving the understanding of this disease.