title: Status epilepticus as an initial manifestation of neurosyphilis: a case report.
abstract: Seizures and focal neurologic deficits may be the complications of neurosyphilis, but status epilepticus as a presenting picture of neurosyphilis is rare. We describe a 41-year-old man with an acute onset of expressive dysphasia, followed by persistent seizure state and severe complications of systemic medical problems. An extensive laboratory evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of neurosyphilis and diabetes mellitus. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed edematous change in the left cingulate gyrus, left temporal lobe, and peri-Rolandic area, which suggested an inflammatory process. Due to varied clinical manifestations of neurosyphilis, we underscore the importance of considering neurosyphilis among the possible causes of status epilepticus and any central nervous system diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chien-Hsun
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Che-Long
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Wei-Chen
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Ruey-Tay
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009494:Neurosyphilis / Q000150:complications*; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000209:etiology*