title: Secondary headache in secondary syphilis.
abstract: We describe a patient with a history of recurrent headaches who developed severe and persistent left fronto-orbital and vertex head pain, in conjunction with a maculopapular rash, and was subsequently diagnosed with secondary syphilis. With the incidence of syphilis recently on the rise, we suggest that secondary syphilis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient who presents with headache and a rash. Serologic screening tests for syphilis and a dermatology consultation should be obtained promptly for diagnostic confirmation and institution of treatment with antibiotics.
authors.affiliation: State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences-Neurology, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
authors.forename: Svetlana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Blitshteyn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010401:Penicillin G Benzathine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013587:Syphilis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010401:Penicillin G Benzathine