Stroke secondary to syphilis

Alternative names:

syphilitic stroke

Definition:

A brain disorder that occurs as a complication of syphilis infections; resulting in a loss of specific brain functions because of destruction of the blood vessels that supply the brain.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Stroke caused by syphilis occurs as a life-threatening complication of long-standing syphilis infection. The infection causes blockage of the arteries in the neck (carotid arteries), which supply the brain. These arteries may become totally blocked (occlusion of the artery). Decreased blood flow causes brain tissue damage from lack of blood flow and oxygen (ischemia) and death of the tissues (infarction).

Risks include tertiary syphilis infection. Stroke secondary to syphilis affects people over 50 years old.