A Case of Neurosyphilis Presenting With Tongue Tremor

Abstract

There are three common forms of neurosyphilis: asymptomatic, meningeal and vascular. Another rarer presentation is the parenchymatous form, which includes general paresis and tabes dorsalis. Although ataxia is present in tabes dorsalis, other movement disorders represent rare manifestations of neurosyphilis. A 32-year-old man presented with dementia and tongue tremor, in addition to generalized bradykinesia. Diagnosis of neurosyphilis was done and patient was treated with penicillin G cristalin. Six months later, neurological examination showed improvement of the tongue tremor. This case report highlights a rare cause of movement disorder, with a peculiar sign of neurosyphilis. J Neurol Res. 2014;4(4):121-123 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jnr290w