neurosyphilis, tabes

neurosyphilis, tabes The slowly progressive degeneration of the spinal cord that occurs in the tertiary phase of syphilis, a decade or more after a person contracts the infection. Among the features of tabes neurosyphilis are sharp, lightning-like pain; wobbliness (ataxia); deterioration of the optic nerve, leading to blindness; urinary incontinence; loss of the sense of position; and degeneration of the joints. Also known as tabes dorsalis. See also syphilis.