Nota Clínica

Headaches, otalgia and peripheral facial palsy as a form of presentation of neurosyphilis

J. Nunes, V. Oliveira, A.E. Sousa, M. Lucas, R.M. Victorino [REV NEUROL 2000;31:544-546] PMID: 12497385 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33588/rn.3106.2000061 OPEN ACCESS
Volumen 31 | Number 06 | Nº of views of the article 11.174 | Nº of PDF downloads 1.149 | Article publication date 16/09/2000
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ABSTRACT Artículo en español English version
INTRODUCTION Decrease in incidence of neurosyphilis over the last few decades implies that clinicians consider less frequently this diagnosis. On the other hand, some reports suggest an increase in atypical forms of this disease that represent an additional reason for missing this diagnosis. CLINICAL CASE. We report on a 16 year-old immunocompetent black female from Guiné-Bissau presented with headaches, ear pain, hearing loss and peripheral facial paralysis. A cranial CT scan showed a hypodense area in the left cortico-subcortical zone and a contrast enhancement on the left pontocerebellar angle and internal auditory meatus. On the third day of admission a diagnosis of meningitis was made, with high titles of VDRL and TPHA in CSF and serum, leading to a diagnosis of neurosyphilis. The epidemiological aspects of this case suggest either a late congenital syphilis or an infection as a result of a blood transfusion administered seven years earlier in Guinea-Bissau. CONCLUSION. This rare form of presentation of neurosyphilis emphasizes the importance of considering systematically this diagnosis, even in the context of atypical presentations. KeywordsFacial palsyHeadacheHear painHearing lossNeurosyphilis CategoriesCefalea y MigrañaDolorInfeccionesNervios periféricos, unión neuromuscular y músculo
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