Misdiagnosed Diplopia in a Patient with Neurosyphilis

Abstract

Background: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum that affects in later stages the central nervous system. Case Presentation: 37-year-old male with history of stimulant use disorder and depression with misdiagnosed blurred vision for one year duration. Syphilis serologies positive, cerebrospinal fluid positive for IgG and IgM Syphilis. Treated with Penicillin G for 14 days. Discussion: Neurosyphilis cases are currently on the rise and need to be considered as differential when presenting with atypical psychiatric or neurological symptoms. The diagnosis is based on serological markers in the blood and cerebrospinal fluids. Cerebral imaging studies are encouraged for early detection as well.