Question

What causes the ataxia in tabes dorsalis? Explain and give examples in your own words.

Answer 1

Tabes dorsalis can be defined as a late consequences of neurosyphilis which can be characterized by slow degeneration of the neural tracts primarily in the dorsal root ganaglia of the spinal cord.

The patient is known to have lucinating nerve root pain which is known to be aggrevated by coughing and features of sensory ataxia with occular involvement.

Tabes dorsalis is also called as progressive locomotor ataxia it is known as a rare neurolohical form of Tertiary syphilis. Which may involve loss of neuromuscular coordination, sensory defects, and diminished reflexes.

Hence the cause of ataxia is due to generation of the dorsal root of the spinal cord which may be the main cause of ataxia.