Can neurosyphilis be detected with just a blood test... - BASHH
Can neurosyphilis be detected with just a blood test or are there other tests which need to be done.
Neurosyphilis is a (rare) complication of the bacterial sexual infection syphilis.
What makes you worried about neurosyphilis, it's a very rare condition?
Syphilis is diagnosed on a blood test and if you have any neurological symptoms (such as loss s of sensation in the feet or arm/leg weakness) the doctor looking after you may want to do further tests such as a scan and a lumbar puncture also known as a spinal tap, it's a simple procedure and shouldn't cause too much discomfort.
But I think if you have concerns you have to head to a specialist sexual health clinic and discuss your concerns with them and get examined and tested. All the clinics which deal with syphilis are listed at bashh.org/clinics
Neurosyphilis happens when Syphilis is not treated or inadequately treated and the Spirochete bacterium leave the blood and infect the nerves. Eventually nerve destruction will take place and 'Tabes Dorsalis' will manifest ie. tremors and mental health degradation. I have no faith in the blood tests whatsoever since I've had this infection for over 20 years and yet never tested positive on any standard tests here in Canada. If you take a blood sample and look at it right away under a 'darkfield' microscope, you can easily see if there are Spirochetes there.
