General Paresis (Paretic Neurosyphilis)

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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > General Paresis
Category : Health Centers > STDs

General Paresis

Alternate Names : Paretic Neurosyphilis

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

General paresis is a chronic infection of the brain with Treponema pallidum, the organism that causes syphilis. It is a tertiary, or third-stage, form of syphilis that affects the brain and spinal cord.

What is going on in the body?

General paresis is a tertiary form of syphilis. It develops in 5% of the people with untreated syphilis when Treponema pallidum attacks the nervous system. It causes a gradual mental and neurological decline. The symptoms generally appear 20 years or more after the initial infection.

What are the causes and risks of the disease?

General paresis is a long-term effect of an untreated syphilis infection.

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		General Paresis: Symptoms & Signs

Author: Gerald C. McIntosh, MD
Reviewer: Barbara Mallari, RN, BSN, PHN
Date Reviewed: 05/07/01

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