Tabes dorsalis, or locomotor ataxia, is a rare neurodegenerative disease caused by an infection with Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum—the bacterium responsible for sexually transmitted syphilis. This condition is a form of tertiary or late neurosyphilis characterized by a slow, progressive degeneration of the dorsal columns and dorsal roots of the spinal cord. Tabes dorsalis typically emerges decades after the initial infection, and the clinical manifestations of syphilis depend on the stage of the disease. Clinically, tabes dorsalis presents with symptoms such as sensory ataxia, lancinating pains (sharp and intense stabbing sensations), paresthesia, gastric crises, bladder dysfunction, and characteristic pupillary irregularities, most notably the Argyll Robertson pupil. A reactive cerebrospinal fluid Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test confirms the diagnosis of neurosyphilis. Although diagnosis relies heavily on clinical suspicion, necessitating consideration of clinical manifestations, additional tests, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and serological tests, a nonreactive result does not exclude the diagnosis. If left untreated, tabes dorsalis can lead to severe complications, including Charcot spine and joints, dementia, blindness, and paralysis. Treatment involves IV antibiotics, followed by prolonged monitoring to ensure successful eradication of the infection. The preferred treatment is intravenous penicillin G, followed by monitoring to ensure the infection is completely eradicated. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for good clinical outcomes, and healthcare professionals must maintain a high index of suspicion to diagnose and treat this severe condition effectively. This activity explores the clinical symptoms, progression, and diagnostic challenges of tabes dorsalis. This activity provides healthcare professionals with the expertise and skills to promptly diagnose and treat tabes dorsalis, thereby improving patient care and reducing morbidity, mortality, and the overall impact on the quality of life for individuals affected by this uncommon neurodegenerative condition.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/29851
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: IPCE Credits: 1.5 hours
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.5 hours
Nursing: 1.5 hours
Pharmacy: 1.5 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABIM - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP)
ABOHNS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABOHNS) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Critical Care Medicine, General Otolaryngology, General Pediatrics, Geriatric Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Infectious Disease, Infectious Diseases/Medical Microbiology, Internal Medicine, Neurocritical Care, Neuropathology (incl. Neuromuscular), Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Pediatric Neurology