Learn About Syphilitic Aseptic Meningitis
Syphilitic aseptic meningitis, or syphilitic meningitis, is a complication of untreated syphilis. It involves inflammation of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord caused by this bacterial infection. These tissues are called the meninges.
Meningitis - syphilitic; Neurosyphilis - syphilitic meningitis
Syphilitic meningitis is a form of neurosyphilis. This condition is a life-threatening complication of syphilis infection. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection.
Syphilitic meningitis is similar to meningitis caused by other germs (organisms), but it doesn't develop as quickly.
Risks for syphilitic meningitis include a past infection with syphilis or other sexually transmitted illnesses such as gonorrhea. Syphilis infections are mainly spread through sex with an infected person. Sometimes, they may be passed by nonsexual contact.
Symptoms of syphilitic meningitis may include:
- Changes in vision, such as blurred vision, decreased vision
- Fever
- Headache
- Mental status changes, including confusion, decreased attention span, and irritability
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stiff neck or shoulders, muscle aches
- Seizures
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia) and loud noises
- Sleepiness, lethargy, hard to wake up
The goals of treatment are to cure the infection and stop symptoms from getting worse. Treating the infection helps prevent new nerve damage and may reduce symptoms. Treatment does not reverse existing damage.
Medicines likely to be given include:
- Penicillin or other antibiotics (such as tetracycline or erythromycin) for a long time to make sure the infection goes away. It is typically given initially using the intravenous route.
- Medicines for seizures.
Christina Marra is a Neurologist in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Marra is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Syphilitic Aseptic Meningitis. Her top areas of expertise are Neurosyphilis, Syphilis, Syphilitic Aseptic Meningitis, and Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy. Dr. Marra is currently accepting new patients.
Sentara Medical Group
Tariq Iqbal is an Infectious Disease provider in Norfolk, Virginia. Dr. Iqbal is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Syphilitic Aseptic Meningitis. His top areas of expertise are Viral Gastroenteritis, Sepsis, Osteomyelitis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Iqbal is currently accepting new patients.
University Primary Care Practices Inc
Abraham Pedro is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Elyria, Ohio. Dr. Pedro has been practicing medicine for over 43 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Syphilitic Aseptic Meningitis. His top areas of expertise are Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia, Xanthoma, Cirrhosis, and Familial Hypertension. Dr. Pedro is currently accepting new patients.
Some people may need help eating, dressing, and caring for themselves. Confusion and other mental changes may either improve or continue long-term after antibiotic treatment.
Late-stage syphilis can cause nerve or heart damage. This can lead to disability and death.
Complications may include:
- Inability to care for self
- Inability to communicate or interact
- Seizures that may result in injury
- Stroke
Go to the emergency room or call 911 or the local emergency number if you have seizures.
Contact your provider if you have a severe headache with fever or other symptoms, especially if you have a history of syphilis infection.
Proper treatment and follow-up of syphilis infections will reduce the risk of developing this type of meningitis.
If you are sexually active, practice safer sex and always use condoms.
All pregnant women should be screened for syphilis. Also, people at increased risk for getting syphilis should be screened for it. Common examples include men who have sex with men, people with HIV infection, young adults, and people with a history of incarceration, sex work, military service or illicit drug use.
Published Date: August 29, 2024
Published By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Dionne JA, Ghanem KG. Syphilis. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 295.
Hasbun R, van de Beek D, Brouwer MC, Tunkel AR. Acute meningitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 87.
Radolf JD, Tramont EC, Salazar JC. Syphilis (Treponema pallidum). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 237.
US Preventive Services Task Force website. Syphilis infection in nonpregnant adolescents and adults: Screening. www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/announcements/final-recommendation-statement-screening-syphilis-infection-nonpregnant-adolescents-and-adults. Updated September 27, 2022. Accessed November 9, 2024.