Tabes Dorsalis

Overview

4.4 out of 5 (7 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Pharmacology Credits

0.5

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, also known as locomotor ataxia, is a rare neurodegenerative disease caused by infection with Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum, a bacterium responsible for sexually transmitted syphilis. The clinical manifestations of syphilis depend on the stage of the disease. Characterized by a slowly progressive degeneration of the dorsal columns and dorsal roots of the spinal cord, tabes dorsalis typically manifests decades after the initial infection. The disease presents with various symptoms, including sensory ataxia, lancinating pains, paresthesia, gastric crises, bladder dysfunction, and pupillary irregularities, most notably the Argyll-Robertson pupil.

Diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion and spinal fluid analysis. A reactive cerebral spinal fluid Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test confirms the diagnosis of neurosyphilis. However, a nonreactive result does not exclude the diagnosis, necessitating consideration of clinical manifestations, additional tests, and cerebrospinal fluid characteristics. Maintaining a high level of clinical suspicion is necessary. If left untreated, tabes dorsalis can cause Charcot spine and joints, dementia, blindness, and paralysis, among other serious complications. Treatment involves IV antibiotics, followed by prolonged monitoring to ensure successful eradication of the infection. 

This topic explores the clinical symptoms and progression of tabes dorsalis and the associated diagnostic challenges. Engaging in this endeavor will equip healthcare professionals with the necessary expertise and abilities to diagnose and treat tabes dorsalis promptly, thereby improving patient care and lessening the morbidity, mortality, and overall impact on the quality of life for individuals afflicted 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 and neurological symptoms characteristic of tabes dorsalis.
    Differentiate between tabes dorsalis and other neurological conditions with similar presentations.
    Apply evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of tabes dorsalis, including the use of IV antibiotics.
    Collaborate with specialists, such as neurologists and infectious disease experts, to comprehensively manage tabes dorsalis.

  • Differentiate between tabes dorsalis and other neurological conditions with similar presentations.

  • Apply evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of tabes dorsalis.

  • Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to comprehensively manage tabes dorsalis.

  • Outline the pharmacologic therapy as it applies to 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.

 

Nurse Practitioners: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.50 ANCC contact hour(s), which includes 0.5 hour(s) of pharmacology. NPs 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 FDA. 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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