During the secondary stage of
syphilis, the infection may affect the brain, spinal
cord, and nerves. This can cause swelling (inflammation)
of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and
can also cause damage to the blood vessels of the nerves.
Nervous system signs of secondary syphilis include:
- Headache and irritability.
- Stiff
neck.
- Unequal reflexes.
- Irregular pupils.
- Blurry vision.
- Blindness caused by damage to the nerve
going to the eye (optic neuritis).
- Deafness.
