Keywords
neurology
syphilis
sexualy transmitted infections
How to Cite
Abstract
A middle-aged gentleman presented with sequential bilateral facial nerve palsy and ataxia. A diagnostic workup revealed positive blood serology for active syphilis infection. Interestingly, his cerebrospinal fluid was negative for syphilis. The patient responded to treatment with benzylpenicillin and made a complete recovery. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of neurosyphilis ‘still’ poses a challenge to clinicians due to insufficient ‘sensitive’ testing modalities and diagnostic criteria.
We highlight the need for a low threshold to test for syphilis in patients presenting with neurological sequelae whose diagnosis is not precise.
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