Tabes Dorsalis

Overview

4.4 out of 5 (7 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Post Assessment Questions

8

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

7 Mar 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

90 Minutes

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Activity Description

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. 


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify the clinical manifestations of tabes dorsalis, including sensory ataxia, lancinating pains, pupillary irregularities, and visceral crises.

  • Implement appropriate diagnostic tests, including serological tests and cerebrospinal fluid examination, to confirm the diagnosis of tabes dorsalis.

  • Select optimal antibiotic therapy, such as intravenous penicillin G, based on patient factors and disease severity.

  • Collaborate with infectious disease specialists and neurologists to optimize management strategies and provide supportive care for patients with tabes dorsalis.

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Nurses: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.50 ANCC contact hour(s). Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

Kentaro I. on 4/9/2022

Daniel R. on 12/29/2022

Karl S. on 3/19/2023

Brittany P. on 4/19/2023

Jihye J. on 7/4/2023

Bonnie R. on 7/18/2023

Linden G. on 9/25/2023

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