Stroke secondary to syphilis

Alternative names

Syphilitic stroke

Definition

Stroke is a possible complication of syphilis infection. The stroke destroys blood vessels that supply the brain and results in a loss of brain function.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Stroke caused by syphilis occurs as a life-threatening complication of long-standing syphilis infection. The infection causes inflammation and blockage of the arteries which supply the brain. Decreased blood flow causes brain tissue damage from lack of oxygen (ischemia) and death of the tissues (infarction).

Risks include Tertiary syphilis infection.

Symptoms

Prodromal (early) symptoms may precede the symptoms of stroke for about 1 to 4 weeks. These are:

• headache
  
• Vertigo (abnormal sensation of movement)
  
• Behavioral changes
  
• Irritability
  

Symptoms of stroke include:

• Weakness or the total inability to move a body part
  
• Numbness, tingling or other abnormal sensations
  
• Decreased or lost vision, partial or temporary
  
• Language difficulties (Aphasia)
  
• Inability to recognize or identify sensory stimuli (agnosia)
  
• Loss of memory
  
• Vertigo (abnormal sensation of movement)
  
• Loss of coordination
  
• Swallowing difficulties
  
• Personality changes
  
• Mood and emotion changes
  
• Urinary Incontinence (lack of control over bladder)
  
• Lack of control over the bowels
  
• Consciousness changes
  o Drowsiness
  o Fatigue
  o Loss of consciousness
  

Signs and tests
A known history of syphilis may help to indicate syphilis as the cause of the Stroke.

Tests may be used to confirm syphilis as the cause of the stroke, including: