A positive history of unprotected sexual activity or a proved treponemal infection in the setting of clinical manifestations is suggestive of tabes dorsalis. The most common symptoms of tabes dorsalis include lightning pains, impaired sensation and proprioception, hypesthesias, diminished reflexes or loss of reflexes, Poor coordination or loss of coordination, Unsteady gait (locomotor ataxia), sexual function problems and progressive sensory ataxia (inability to feel the lower limbs).

• Unprotected sexual activity
• HIV infection
• Immunocompromised state
• Immunosuppressive therapy
• Substance abuse
• Positive history of long-term untreated syphilis disease^[1]

Common symptoms of tabes dorsalis include:

• Lightning pain^[2]
• Impaired sensation and proprioception^[3]
• Numbness^[4]
• Inability to feel the lower limbs^[5]
• Diminished reflexes or loss of reflexes^[6]
• Poor coordination or loss of coordination^[7]
• Unsteady gait (locomotor ataxia)^[8]
• Sexual function problems^[9]

Less common symptoms of tabes dorsalis include:

• Degeneration of the joints (Charcot joints)^[10]
• Muscle weakness^[11]
• Bladder control problems^[12]