1. Identify the Symptoms of Neurosyphilis
Neurosyphilis is a neurological condition that affects the nerve endings in the brain and spinal cord. You may develop neurosyphilis if you have a syphilis infection that is left untreated for 10 to 20 years. In the early stages, symptoms include headache, stiff neck, irritability, depression, abnormal reflexes, confusion and poor concentration. In the later stages, your symptoms can include impaired motor function, resulting in muscle atrophy and weakness. Dementia is common in the later stages as well.
2. Treat Your Neurosyphilis With Antibiotics
If you treat the syphilis infection, you treat the neurosyphilis. Antibiotics are usually administered to patients with syphilis infections. Penicillin is the most common antibiotic used to cure syphilis. If you have an allergy to penicillin, then other antibiotics, such as tetracycline, may be used. Penicillin is the preferred antibiotic for treating pregnant women with syphilis since it is the most effective in preventing the spread of the bacteria to the fetus.
The antibiotics can be administered orally, through injections, or using a combination of the two methods. The specific protocol for treatment will depend upon how long the infection has been present in the body.
3. Continue With Blood Tests for 24 Months
You should have blood tests at regular intervals after the initial treatment to confirm that the infection has been completely cured. These tests are conducted at three, six, 12 and 24 months after the antibiotic regimen has been completed. If you don't complete these follow-up tests, there is a risk that the infection will return. One of the leading reasons why neurosyphilis occurs and why a case of syphilis can remain in the body unchecked for 10 to 20 years can be traced to inadequate follow-up procedures.
4. Practice Safe Sexual Practices
While you're being treated for syphilis, refrain from unprotected sexual contact. Many doctors will recommend abstinence over the course of 24 months, which may be difficult for you. Use of condoms will reduce the risk, but transmission of the infection is still possible. Your sexual partners should also undergo blood tests during this period to ensure that the syphilis infection has not spread.
