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Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry logoLink to Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
. 1994 Jul;57(7):865–867. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.57.7.865

Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction in a patient with neurosyphilis.

U Zifko 1, K Lindner 1, D Wimberger 1, B Volc 1, W Grisold 1
PMCID: PMC1073039  PMID: 8021683

Abstract

A 40 year old man presented with progressive personality changes in the previous six months. Specific serological tests for syphilis in blood and CSF were highly positive and CSF sedimentation showed signs of an inflammatory process. Ten hours after the start of penicillin treatment a severe symptomatic Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction with alteration of level of consciousness, pupillary changes, and focal neurological signs developed. Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction may occur in various settings, particularly in the treatment of syphilis. Investigation of CSF before the treatment may predict a potential risk. Corticosteroid treatment has been suggested for prevention.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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