Synonyms:
Onset: typically 15 to 25 years after the initial infection if untreated.
Neurological changes:
(1) ataxia with wide-based gait and footslap
(2) lightning or shooting pains
(3) impotence in males
(4) urinary and fecal incontinence
(5) peripheral neuropathy with paresthesias
(6) cranial nerve dysfunction which may include a loss of hearing
(7) impaired proprioception with a positive Romberg sign (swaying or falling over while standing with feet together and eyes closed)
(8) normal muscle strength in the legs with loss of ankle and knee reflexes and with loss of vibration sense
(9) visceral crises
Ocular changes:
(1) Argyll Robertson pupil
(2) opthalmoplegia (secondary to cranial nerve involvement)
(3) optic atrophy
(4) ptosis
Other findings:
(1) Charcot's joints
(2) perforating foot ulcers
