Late Syphilitic Encephalitis: Causes, Neurological Symptoms, and Treatment

Late Syphilitic Encephalitis: Causes, Neurological Symptoms, and Treatment

1. Introduction and Clinical Overview Late syphilitic encephalitis, historically and clinically known as general paresis or paretic neurosyphilis, is a profound, progressive, and destructive inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. Representing one of the most severe manifestations of late-stage tertiary syphilis, this condition typically emerges ten to thirty years after … Read more

General Paresis in Neurosyphilis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

General Paresis in Neurosyphilis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

1. Introduction General paresis, historically referred to as general paralysis of the insane or dementia paralytica, is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder representing a late-stage manifestation of neurosyphilis. This condition arises when the Treponema pallidum bacterium, the causative agent of syphilis, directly invades the brain parenchyma, leading to chronic meningoencephalitis and progressive neuronal destruction. If the … Read more