Progressive cerebral palsy: clinical forms, course of stages

A special form of neurosyphilis, causing severe consequences for the entire body, is progressive paralysis. Let's consider the causes of the pathology and methods of its treatment.

The disease is caused by pale treponema (the causative agent of syphilis), which penetrates the nervous system, exerting a destructive effect on it. Diffuse syphilitic meningoencephalitis with damage to the membranes, vessels and parenchyma of the brain is characterized by gradually increasing clinical symptoms. Patients experience pronounced signs of mental breakdown and somatic exhaustion.

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Epidemiology

Bayle's disease is diagnosed in 5% of patients with syphilis. Epidemiology indicates that women get sick twice less often than men. The only source of infection is a person. The frequency of infection depends on the duration of the disease. The pattern of spread of the disease is associated with low awareness of the methods of infection and risk factors for the pathology.

The most contagious are patients with early forms of syphilis from 3 to 5 years. Late forms, the term of which is more than 5 years, are slightly contagious. The main danger of the development of neurosyphilis is that at the initial stages the disorder is asymptomatic. In most cases, this is due to high resistance to pale treponema, which leads to the appearance of encysted and L-forms of the pathogen.

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Causes progressive paralysis

The main causes of progressive paralysis are associated with positive reactions to syphilis. Treponema pallidum causes damage to the membranes of the brain. The disorder develops in 1 out of 5% of patients with syphilis, men are more susceptible to the disease. The average age of patients is from 30 to 50 years. This confirms the fact that the pathology develops 10-15 years after infection.

The causes of progressive paralysis may be non-specific. Traumatic brain injuries, emotional experiences, stress, decreased protective properties of the immune system and untimely treatment of infectious pathologies can also provoke a psychoorganic disorder. Very often, the true nature of the deviation is established in a psychiatric hospital. That is, the patient may not suspect the presence of syphilis until neurological symptoms appear.

Once the cause of paralysis has been established, the patient is referred to a number of specialists, including a venereologist, who performs additional diagnostic tests. These are necessary to determine the stage of the disorder and to develop a plan for further treatment.

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Risk factors

The following risk factors for the development of the disease are identified:

• Sexual is the most common type of infection. The bacteria penetrates through damage to the skin and through the mucous membranes. Infection is possible through contact with syphilitic gumma or a hard hinge, that is, through contact with an open source of infection.
• Hemotransfusion – infection during blood transfusion from an infected donor, during surgery or dental procedures (this risk factor is minimal, since all donors and blood products are tested for syphilis, and all surgical instruments are sterile).
• Transplacental – the disease can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her child during pregnancy or during the birth process. The risk of infection is associated with possible injuries and ruptures of the skin and mucous membranes, which act as entry points for infection.
• Contact-household – using common household items with an infected person (towels, dishes, linens, clothes, hygiene items).
• Professional – this risk factor is present in medical workers who come into contact with biological fluids (saliva, blood, sperm). Infection is possible during autopsies or obstetrics.

Regardless of the factor that provoked the disease, the causative agent of neurosyphilis disappears into the lymph nodes and spreads throughout the body with the bloodstream.

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Pathogenesis

The main causative agent of progressive paralysis is the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Pathogenesis, that is, the mechanism of disease development, is most often associated with the sexual factor.

There are two ways for bacteria to penetrate into the brain tissue:

1. Lymphogenous - a pathogenic microorganism penetrates the human body through mucous membranes or damaged skin. With the blood flow, the infection spreads throughout the body, reacting to it by producing specific antibodies.
2. Hematogenous – due to weakening of the blood-brain barrier, the infection penetrates into the spinal substrate. First, the vessels and membranes of the spinal cord and brain are affected. This provokes the onset of an inflammatory process with the release of exudate. Cicatricial changes are formed in the brain tissue.

Over time, the body weakens and stops fighting the harmful microorganism, opening access to the parenchyma of the central nervous system. As a rule, this occurs 5-7 years after infection with syphilis or at later stages. The bacterium penetrates the nerve cells and fibers, causing their pathological changes and the symptoms of neurosyphilis.

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Symptoms progressive paralysis

Psychoorganic pathology has a wide variety of clinical manifestations, pronounced neurological and mental disorders. Symptoms of progressive paralysis depend on the stage of the disease, and there are often no clear boundaries between the various forms.

Bayle's disease is characterized by a disorder of the shape and reactivity of the pupil. The patient suffers from balance disorders with closed eyes in a standing position, loss of sensitivity, and progressive dementia.

The disorder most often manifests itself at the age of 35-50 years and has vague neurasthenic complaints. The advanced stage is characterized by memory and attention disorders. Also observed are pathologies in the emotional sphere, frequent mood swings, irritability, irascibility, depression. Muscle spasms in the limbs and other parts of the body, delirium and hallucinations may be observed.

First signs

After the pale treponema enters the spinal cord or brain, it begins to actively reproduce. The first signs develop gradually and in stages. The symptoms of the disease are very similar to those of acute inflammation of the meninges, i.e. meningitis:

• Severe headaches and dizziness
• Increased intracranial pressure
• Tinnitus
• Digestive disorders

As soon as the infection penetrates the blood vessels of the brain, the following symptoms appear:

• Insomnia and migraine attacks
• Decreased tactile sensitivity

At the next stage, the spinal cord is damaged, which is manifested by the following symptoms:

• Pelvic disorders
• Weakening of the muscles of the lower extremities
• Decreased muscle and joint sensitivity
• Long-term healing wounds on the skin
• Constriction of the pupils of the eyes and lack of response to light
• Impaired coordination of movements
• Pain in the lower back

Due to the long presence of bacteria in the brain tissue, their gradual destruction occurs. This is manifested by the following symptoms:

• Progressive personality disorders
• Memory loss and thinking disorders
• Manic and depressive states
• Hallucinations, delusional ideas

In some cases, the disease provokes epileptic seizures and paralysis. Special attention during diagnosis is paid to the absence of pupillary reaction to light. Nasolabial folds become asymmetrical, handwriting changes, tendon reflexes become uneven.

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Progressive cerebral palsy

The main danger of syphilitic infection is progressive paralysis of the brain. The disease has several stages, each of which is manifested by certain signs.

• Immediately after infection, the patient does not experience any pronounced pathological symptoms. The quality of sleep gradually worsens and concentration decreases. This is attributed to general fatigue of the body or problems with the immune system.
• At the second stage, the nervous system is affected. This is manifested by the following symptoms: increased tendon reflexes, uneven pupils, tension in the occipital region, muscle pain.
• At the next stage, syphilis of the brain becomes aggressive. The patient's memory deteriorates sharply, irritability and increased nervousness appear. The risk of cerebral vascular stroke increases.

Diffuse syphilitic meningoencephalitis is characterized by pronounced neurological and psychopathological disorders. Without treatment, the pathology ends in profound dementia and death.

Juvenile progressive paralysis

A rare form of congenital syphilis that occurs with transplacental infection is juventile progressive paralysis. The morphological basis of the pathology is cellular anomalies in the arrangement of nerve cells, obligating endarteritis of the cerebral vessels.

The pathological condition may manifest itself both in early childhood and at a later age. In early childhood, defects in the structure of the skeletal system (curvature of the limbs, saddle nose), poorly developed muscles, and damage to the cranial nerves may be detected. From 7-9, and in some cases from 13-15 years, neurosyphilis progresses rapidly, acquiring a dementia form. Loss of acquired skills and abilities, emotional disorder are observed. At 15-20 years, the disease is characterized by increasing dementia and epileptiform seizures.

Stages

There are several stages of pathology:

1. Latent – asymptomatic stage with pathological changes in the cerebrospinal fluid. Develops within 1 year after infection. Neurological disorders do not appear.
2. Acute – manifests itself in the first 1-2 years after infection. The following symptoms are typical for this stage: headaches, nausea and vomiting, maculopapular rash. Pathologies of vision, hearing and facial nerves may also be observed. In rare cases, hydrocephalus and optic nerve congestion develop.
3. Meningovascular – can develop 1-5 months after infection, but is most often diagnosed in the 5-7 year of the disease. It manifests itself with symptoms of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Concentric narrowing of large arteries and local narrowing/expansion of small arteries are observed. Before the ischemic crisis, the patient complains of frequent headaches, emotional lability, personality disorders.
4. Meningomyelitis - at this stage, lower spastic paraparesis progresses with dysfunction of the pelvic organs and deep sensitivity. Pathological symptoms can develop asymmetrically with signs of Brown-Sequard syndrome.
5. Tabes dorsalis – the incubation period of this stage lasts from 5 to 50 years, but on average it manifests itself 20 years after infection. At this stage, inflammatory infiltration and degeneration of the posterior roots and cords of the spinal cord are observed. The patient experiences sharp shooting pains, impaired deep sensitivity, neurogenic disorders. Without treatment, these symptoms begin to progress.
6. Paralytic dementia is a stage of progressive paralysis that develops 10-20 years after infection with syphilis. The patient suffers from a depressive state, varying severity of neurological disorders, decreased muscle tone, epileptic seizures, hallucinations. It is characterized by persistent progression, which often leads to death.

From the moment of infection to the stage of progressive paralysis, at least 8-15 years pass. The first signs of the disease do not cause concern, as they are similar to the usual exhaustion of the nervous system. The development of pathology is facilitated by auxiliary factors, for example, chronic diseases, alcoholism, drug addiction.

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Forms

There are several clinical forms of neurosyphilis:

• Expansive - manic form is characterized by a state of euphoria and delusional, meaningless ideas. The patient thinks that he is successful and attributes non-existent wealth to himself. The patient considers himself absolutely healthy and is happy to be in a psychiatric institution.
• Depressive - depressed mood combined with absurd hypochondriacal delirium.
• Dementia - increasing dementia, decreased ability to critically evaluate the environment, make correct judgments and perceive one's condition. The mood is euphoric, good-natured.
• Tabetic - at this stage with a slow and protracted course, a combination of signs of paralytic dementia and tabes dorsalis is observed.
• Agitated - has a malignant course with pronounced attacks of motor excitation. Confusion of consciousness and rapid mental disintegration are observed.

All the above stages and forms may be accompanied by epileptiform seizures, cerebral strokes with hemiplegia and paresis, arteriosclerosis. Without proper treatment, each of the forms may cause death.

Psychoorganic pathology has several stages of development, each of which is distinguished by its own symptoms. The following stages of progressive paralysis are distinguished:

• Initial – this is the stage of pre-paralytic asthenia. It is characterized by cerebrasthenia, severe headaches, speech and articulation disorders, increased irritability.
• Advanced - paralytic dementia with a progressive decline in intellectual and memory qualities and various personality disorders.
• Terminal – total disintegration of mental activity, insanity.

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Complications and consequences

Neurosyphilis causes severe consequences and complications. Patients face problems such as:

• Communication behavior disorder
• Incapacity
• Stroke
• Fall injuries due to seizures
• Paresis of the limbs
• Optic nerve atrophy

Complications of this pathology can lead to disability. Advanced forms are practically untreatable and threaten a fatal outcome.

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Diagnostics progressive paralysis

The detection of Bayle's disease occurs on the basis of existing neurological disorders and mental disorders. The diagnosis of progressive paralysis consists of a complex of various clinical studies:

• Collection of anamnesis and analysis of patient complaints
• Laboratory tests
• Instrumental methods
• Differential diagnostics

During the diagnosis, the patient may be sent to a neuropsychiatric dispensary for observation. Based on the results of all studies, the doctor makes a final diagnosis, determines the stage of the disease, and methods of its treatment. If progressive paralysis is diagnosed at an early stage, this significantly improves the prognosis for recovery.

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Tests

If diffuse syphilitic meningoencephalitis with damage to the membranes, vessels and brain matter is suspected, laboratory diagnostics are indicated. Tests are necessary to identify the causative agent of the disease - pale treponema or other abnormalities. The patient is prescribed the following tests:

• Wasserman reaction
• Blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests
• Treponemal and non-treponemal tests with blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid
• Microprecipitation reaction with cardiolipin antigen
• Immunofluorescence reaction (IF)
• Treponema immobilization test (TIT)

The diagnosis of neurosyphilis is confirmed by positive results of treponemal reactions in the study of blood serum and by the immunofluorescence reaction. As well as by changes in the cerebrospinal fluid (Wasserman reaction), inflammatory changes in the cerebrospinal fluid with cytosis over 20 μl and protein over 0.6 g/l.

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Instrumental diagnostics

Symptoms characteristic of Beil's disease require a comprehensive study. Instrumental diagnostics are necessary to confirm psychoorganic pathology. The patient undergoes computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

These methods reveal non-specific changes: infarctions, gummas, atrophy, increased contrast of the meninges, multifocal lesions of the white matter, etc. The results of these studies are also used in the differential diagnosis. The patient is also referred to an ophthalmologist for an examination of the fundus, since the disease is characterized by visual impairments of varying severity.

Differential diagnosis

The early stages of progressive paralysis are similar in their symptoms to many other psychoneurological disorders. Differential diagnostics help to separate the true disease from other disorders.

Neurosyphilis is differentiated from the following pathologies:

• Tumor lesions of the frontal lobes of the brain
• Pick's disease
• Cerebrovascular diseases
• Serous meningitis
• Vasculitis
• Sarcoidosis
• Brucellosis
• Borreliosis
• Cerebral atherosclerosis
• Malignant forms of hypertension

Despite the pronounced symptoms of the disease, differential diagnostics is complicated by the fact that various brain lesions can give a picture of dementia, which is present in paralytic dementia. The decisive role in diagnostics is played by anamnesis, somatic and neurological examinations, and the results of serological reactions.

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Treatment progressive paralysis

Symptoms of neurosyphilis require careful diagnosis and properly formulated therapy. Treatment of progressive paralysis is carried out in a hospital setting. The treatment is carried out by a neurologist, venereologist, psychiatrist. The patient is prescribed a combination specific therapy, which consists of medications (antibiotics, iodine and bismuth preparations) and physiotherapy.

Pyrotherapy can be used to treat a specific infection of the nervous system, which consists of the penetration of the syphilis pathogen into the nervous and brain tissue. Pyrotherapy means the use of antimalarial drugs. The drugs are administered intramuscularly and intravenously. The incubation period is from 4 to 20 days. Improvement in the patient's condition is observed after a month.

The effectiveness of therapy depends entirely on the stage of the disease; the best results are shown by treatment at the first symptoms of the pathology. The results are assessed by the regression of signs of progressive paralysis and improvement of cerebrospinal fluid indices. Monitoring of the cure is carried out every six months for two years. If new neurological symptoms appear, old ones increase, or there is cytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid, repeated therapy is indicated.

Medicines

The main goal of treating progressive paralysis is to destroy the bacteria that caused syphilis. Medicines are prescribed to minimize pathological neurological symptoms and reduce the epidemiological danger of the patient in relation to healthy people. During treatment, methods are used aimed at destroying pale treponema, as well as auxiliary drugs and vitamins. The most difficult are advanced forms of the disease, as they require long-term therapy and careful selection of drugs.

Treatment regimen for psychoorganic pathology:

1. Antibiotics. Patients are prescribed drugs from the penicillin group, since they have a wide range of action. They suppress many harmful microorganisms by affecting the walls of their cells.

• Penicillin

An antimicrobial agent from the class of β-lactam antibiotics. The main active ingredient is 6-aminopenicillanic acid. The drug is administered intravenously (intramuscular administration is ineffective), starting with high doses of 2-4 million U 6 times a day for 10-14 days. In the first hours after administration, symptoms of acute fever, tachycardia, severe headaches and myalgia, worsening of neurological pathologies may appear. As a rule, side effects regress within 24 hours. In especially severe cases, corticosteroids or NSAIDs are used.

• Erythromycin

Prescribed when there are contraindications to penicillin drugs. Refers to bacteriostatics, a representative of macrolides. In its antimicrobial action, it is similar to penicillins. It is active against many harmful microorganisms, including the causative agent of Bayle's disease. It has several forms of release: tablets, capsules, ointment, powder for intravenous and intramuscular injections. The dosage, like the form of release, depends on the stage of the disease and the characteristics of the patient's body. Side effects are rare and manifest themselves in the form of nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal upset. With prolonged use, resistance and allergic reactions may develop. The drug is contraindicated in case of intolerance and severe liver disorders.

• Ceftriaxone

A third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with bactericidal properties. Its activity is associated with inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. It has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial action. It is used intramuscularly and intravenously diluted with sterile water for injection. Side effects occur in the digestive system, and allergic reactions are also possible. The medication is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to cephalosporins and penicillins, in the first trimester of pregnancy, and in cases of hepatic and renal failure. In case of overdose, changes in the blood picture are possible. Symptomatic therapy is indicated for treatment.

2. Antisyphilitic drugs. In the early stages of the disease, they are used as monotherapy, but most often they are prescribed in combination with other medications.

• Bismoverol

It is used for all forms of syphilitic infection. It is available in vials for intramuscular injection. The drug is administered 1.5 ml 2 times a week, the course of treatment is 16-20 ml. Side effects are manifested in the form of increased salivation, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the gums, stomatitis. Trigeminal neuritis and bismuth nephropathy are also possible. The drug is contraindicated in kidney and liver diseases, diabetes mellitus, pathologies of the cardiovascular system.

• Biyoquinol

In the treatment of neurosyphilis, it is used in combination with penicillin preparations. It is effective in non-specific lesions of the central nervous system. It is administered intramuscularly, in a two-component manner. The dosage is 3 ml every 4 days, the course dose is 30-40 ml. Side effects are manifested in the form of skin dermatitis, kidney damage and stomatitis. It is contraindicated in kidney and liver disease, increased bleeding. It is not prescribed to patients with severe forms of tuberculosis and with increased sensitivity to quinine.

3. Medicines for eliminating neurological symptoms, improving metabolic processes and blood circulation in the brain.

• Piracetam

Increases dopamine synthesis in the brain, increases the amount of acetylcholine and the density of cholinergic receptors. Positively affects metabolic processes and blood circulation in the brain, stimulates oxidation-reduction reactions, improves regional blood flow. It is used for cerebrovascular insufficiency, changes in cerebral circulation, brain injuries and intoxication, atherosclerosis and other neurological disorders.

The product has several forms of release, so it is suitable for both oral and intravenous administration. The dosage and course of treatment depend on the severity of the pathological process. Side effects are manifested in the form of mental agitation, irritability, sleep disorders. Gastrointestinal disorders, convulsions, tremors of the limbs are possible. Contraindications are associated with individual intolerance to the components of the product. It is not used in diabetes mellitus and acute renal failure.

• Nootropil

A drug from the nootropic class. Improves cognitive processes in the brain, affects the central nervous system (improves neuronal metabolism processes, changes the rate of excitation, improves microcirculation by stabilizing the rheological properties of the blood). Does not have a vasodilatory effect, but improves the characteristics of cerebral circulation.

It is used for symptomatic therapy of psychoorganic syndrome. Daily dosage is 160 mcg/kg of body weight (divided into 2-4 doses). Side effects are manifested in the form of increased nervousness, depression, drowsiness, asthenia. Headaches, insomnia, hallucinations, gastrointestinal disorders, increased libido and allergic reactions are possible. Contraindicated in renal failure, hemorrhagic stroke and intolerance to pyrrolidone, piracetam and other components of Nootropil. In case of overdose, increased side effects are observed, treatment is symptomatic.

• Cavinton

Dilates cerebral vessels, improves blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain. Lowers systemic arterial pressure. It is used for neurological and mental disorders caused by cerebrovascular accidents of various etiologies. It has several forms of release (tablets, injection solution), which allows you to choose the most suitable one. As a rule, the drug is well tolerated. Side effects are possible with intravenous administration - hypotension, tachycardia. It is not used for heart rhythm disorders, unstable arterial pressure and low vascular tone. Subcutaneous administration and use with heparin are contraindicated.

The effectiveness of the treatment of progressive paralysis is assessed by regression or absence of neurological symptoms, normalization of cerebrospinal fluid. Therapy is carried out under strict medical supervision with periodic testing to identify the pathogen in the cerebrospinal fluid. If the number of harmful microorganisms does not decrease, then higher doses of drugs or selection of other drugs are indicated.

Vitamins

Syphilis of the brain requires complex treatment. Vitamins are part of the therapy used for all forms and stages of the disease. Let's consider what useful macro and microelements are necessary for neurosyphilis:

• B – vitamins of this group participate in the processes of cellular metabolism, normalize the work of the whole organism. They are useful for the nervous system, regulate energy metabolism, improve visual functions and synthesize hemoglobin. Vitamins B6 and B12 regulate the work of the nervous system, synthesize and regenerate red blood cells, create antibodies.
• A - is represented by three bioorganic compounds from the retinoid group (retinol, dehydroretinol, retinal). It has a powerful antioxidant effect, improves the growth and development of all cells, organs and tissues. Participates in the functioning of the mucous membranes and skin epithelium. Retinol is part of the visual pigment, which is found in the cells of the retina. Its sufficient amount maintains good vision. Improves the condition of hair, gums and teeth. It acts as a preventive measure against malignant lesions of the body, regulates the immune system, enhances the synthesis of immunoglobulins (antibodies) of all classes.
• E is a fat-soluble compound with antioxidant properties. Prevents blood clots, improves microcirculation and prevents blood stagnation. Improves blood properties and the functioning of the immune system. Reduces blood pressure, expands and strengthens the walls of blood vessels, prevents anemia and cataracts. Maintains normal functioning of the nervous system.
• General tonic iron preparations – this category includes preparations with 30 mg or more of elemental iron. They are used as general tonics and auxiliary means for anemia, CNS pathologies, various inflammatory processes, gastrointestinal tract lesions, and heavy bleeding.
• Glycine is an amino acid with antioxidant, neurometabolic and neuroprotective properties. Regulates metabolism, stimulates the processes of protective inhibition of the central nervous system, prevents and stops psychoemotional stress. It is used for various disorders of the nervous system, sleep disorders, excessive excitability and emotionality, disorders of the autonomic system. It is prescribed to patients with ischemic stroke, as well as encephalopathy of various origins.
• Nicotinic acid – has anti-pelagric properties, has a vasodilatory effect, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Reduces the level of lipoproteins in the blood. It is used for vascular diseases, brain diseases, facial nerve neuritis, long-term non-healing ulcers and wounds, infectious and other body lesions.

All of the above vitamins are used only as prescribed by a doctor, who determines the necessary dosage and frequency of their use.

Physiotherapy treatment

In the late stages of progressive paralysis, i.e. with tabes dorsalis, physiotherapy is indicated. The patient is prescribed limb massage, electrophoresis and Frenkel gymnastics.

Let's consider the main therapeutic physiotherapy procedures:

• Massage – several courses with short and intensive sessions are carried out. This is necessary to restore the functions of the limbs, as well as to prevent complications of psychoorganic pathology.
• Electrophoresis is a method of delivering medicinal components to the body using electric current. Medicinal substances penetrate into tissues through the ducts of sweat and sebaceous glands. Electric current increases the synthesis of biologically active substances and increases ionic activity in conductive tissues. For neurosyphilis, the drug Lidase is used.
• Frenkel gymnastics is a system of exercises performed on a slow repetition with gradually increasing complexity. The exercises are designed to treat and prevent movement regulation disorders. This method is based on the activation of the intact sensory mechanism (vision, touch, hearing), compensating for kinetic losses.

Physiotherapeutic treatment is carried out under medical supervision in health resorts.

Folk remedies

In diffuse syphilitic meningoencephalitis with damage to the membranes, vessels and parenchyma of the brain, timely diagnosis and properly selected therapy are necessary. Folk treatment of progressive paralysis is not recommended, as it is ineffective in the fight against pale treponema. But, despite this, there are a number of folk recipes recommended for neurosyphilis, let's consider them:

• Grind 500 g of aloe using a meat grinder and mix with 250 ml of liquid honey. The remedy should be infused in a dark, cool place for 2-3 days. After that, mix it with ½ cup of red wine and put it in a cool place again for 1-2 days. The remedy can be stored in the refrigerator and taken 1 spoon 2-3 times a day.
• Grind 2-3 apples, add a glass of hawthorn and crushed rose hips. Add 5-8 cloves of crushed garlic to the resulting mixture and pour 2 liters of boiling water over everything. The remedy should be infused for 2-3 hours, then it should be filtered and taken 3 times a day half an hour after meals.
• Grind the onion and squeeze out the juice. Mix the onion juice with honey in a 1:2 ratio. The remedy should be taken 3-4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.
• Pour 500 ml of boiling water over 100 g of dry and chopped oat straw and let it brew until it cools. Once the infusion has cooled, strain it and take ½ cup throughout the day. This medicine has a general strengthening effect and tones the body.

Before using alternative treatment methods, it is necessary to consult with your doctor. This is due to the fact that some recipes can cause side effects that worsen the patient's condition and the course of the underlying disease.

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Herbal treatment

Herbal components with medicinal properties are used for many diseases. Herbal treatment of progressive paralysis is possible in its early stages and only in combination with drug therapy. Let's consider effective herbal treatment recipes:

• Pour 20 g of dry crushed sedge roots with 500-750 ml of boiling water and simmer over low heat until the liquid is reduced by half. The decoction should be infused for 2 hours and filtered. Take ¼ cup 3-4 times a day.
• Pour 250 ml of boiling water over a couple of tablespoons of dry field pennycress and let it brew for 4 hours in a closed container. After cooling, strain the infusion and take 1 teaspoon 4-5 times a day.
• Pour 250 ml of hot water over a tablespoon of burdock roots and boil in a water bath for 20 minutes. Once the liquid has cooled, strain it and take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day.

The duration of use of infusions and decoctions should be controlled by the attending physician. It is not recommended to use non-traditional methods on your own in case of Beil's disease.

Homeopathy

Treatment of diseases by influencing the body with such pathological factors is homeopathy. In case of progressive paralysis, preparations diluted in water in a ratio of 1:10 or 1:100 are used. Alternative therapy is aimed at activating the body's hidden resources to fight the disease. But a positive result can only be achieved by using substances that cause symptoms characteristic of syphilis.

Algorithm of homeopathic therapy:

• In the initial stages of Bayle's disease, Mercuris sublimata corosivus is used 5-6 drops 3-4 times a day for a week.
• After a week, the therapy is supplemented with Nitri acidum in a dosage of 4 drops 3-4 times a day.
• After this, it is necessary to start monotherapy with the mercury preparation Mercurius biiodatus, taking Nitri acidum every other day. Such treatment should be continued until the pathological symptoms disappear.
• At advanced stages of neurosyphilis, iodine preparations are recommended. Patients are prescribed Kali iodatum 11, 10 drops at the beginning of treatment and up to 20 drops by the end of therapy. This remedy reduces, and in some cases completely eliminates, the symptoms of the disease.
• In case of plaques on mucous membranes and skin characteristic of syphilitic infection, rinse with Phytolacca decandra. If there is a runny nose of syphilitic nature, then taking Kali bichromicum is recommended.
• For pathological lesions of the nerve centers - Kali iodatum with Aurum muriaticum natronatum and Aurum iodatum.
• In some cases, herbal remedies are used to treat syphilis of the brain: Corydalis formosa and Sarsaparilla.

All homeopathic preparations, their dosage and duration of use are determined by the attending physician. It is contraindicated to use the above-described preparations on your own, as they can significantly worsen the course of the disease.

Surgical treatment

Therapy for progressive paralysis involves the use of conservative methods. Surgical treatment for neurosyphilis is not performed. Surgical intervention is possible in case of pathological complications of the disease that require surgery.

In other cases, patients are prescribed a complex of antibiotics sensitive to treponema, pyrotherapy and physiotherapy (treatment with elevated temperature). To assess the cure, cerebrospinal fluid is sanitized and clinical symptoms of the pathology are involution.

Prevention

To protect the body from syphilitic infection and the development of progressive paralysis, it is necessary to follow preventive recommendations. Prevention of a specific infection of the nervous system, in which the causative agent of syphilis penetrates the tissues of the brain and spinal cord, consists of:

• Maintaining personal and intimate hygiene.
• Safe sex (using condoms).
• Strengthening the protective properties of the immune system.
• Avoid using dishes, linens and other household items together with people whose health condition is of concern.
• Regular preventive examinations with a doctor.

The above recommendations allow you to protect yourself not only from syphilis, but also from a number of other equally dangerous diseases. Particular attention should be paid to the refusal of uncontrolled sexual intercourse. Since this factor is the main cause of the development of pathology.

When infected with pale treponema, it is necessary to treat it promptly in combination with regular preventive examinations by a neurologist. Without medical assistance, the disease provokes the development of life-threatening complications that can cause death.

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Forecast

When using active treatment methods, the prognosis for progressive paralysis is more favorable. Thus, 20% of patients experience complete remission and there is a chance to return to their previous social level. In 30% of cases, recovery is accompanied by moderate mental changes that allow the patient to adapt to society. In 40%, treatment is ineffective, and about 5% of patients die during therapy.

Progressive paralysis has a number of factors that improve its prognosis: early diagnosis and treatment. And also cases when the disease takes the form of psychosis, that is, an expansive form. Without active therapy, paralytic dementia leads to death within 2-5 years.

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