3 Ways to Manage Neurosyphilis

1. Undergo the Tests and Exams to Diagnose Neurosyphilis

Neurosyphilis is a neurological condition that is caused by an untreated syphilis infection, affecting the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms like impaired motor skills, dementia and muscle weakness can result if a syphilis infection is left untreated for 10 to 20 years. The treatment protocol for neurosyphilis, however, is very simple. If you treat and manage the syphilis infection with antibiotics, such as penicillin, the symptoms of neurosyphilis should disappear as well.

Syphilis infections are generally diagnosed through the use of blood tests. Follow-up exams should be performed to eliminate the possibility of HIV, lupus, Lyme disease and other medical conditions that could produce a false positive result. In addition, CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to detect possible damage to nerve endings in the brain.

2. Manage Neurosyphilis Through Antibiotics

The treatment of neurosyphilis is quite simple and effective. The use of an antibiotic like penicillin is usually effective enough to cure the infection completely. (In fact, penicillin was specifically invented to cure syphilis.) If the patient is allergic to penicillin, another antibiotic, such as tetracycline, is used. If the patient is pregnant, however, penicillin is the preferred treatment since other antibiotics may fail to prevent the spread of syphilis to the fetus.

3. Remember to Submit to Follow-up Tests and Practice Safe Sex

If you have been treated for syphilis, you're not in the clear until you have completed all of your follow-up blood tests. These must occur three, six, 12 and 24 months after you have finished your initial treatment for the infection. The syphilis bacteria can return to your system slowly enough that symptoms may be too mild or gradual to notice at first.

While you're waiting for the 24 months of treatment to pass, it is important to refrain from having unprotected sex. Most medical experts will suggest that you practice abstinence during this period to avoid infecting partners. The use of a condom, however, can significantly reduce the chance of this happening. Still, any sexual partners you have during this period should receive regular blood tests as well.