tabes dorsalis

tabes /ta·bes/ (ta´bēz)

1. wasting of the body or a part of it.

2. t. dorsalis.

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tabes dorsa´lis  parenchymatous neurosyphilis marked by degeneration of the posterior columns and posterior roots and ganglion of the spinal cord, with muscular incoordination, paroxysms of intense pain, visceral crises, disturbances of sensation, and various trophic disturbances, especially of bones and joints.

tabes mesente´rica  tuberculosis of mesenteric glands in children.

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tabes dor·sa·lis (dôr-sls, -sls)

n.

A late form of syphilis resulting in hardening of the dorsal columns of the spinal cord and characterized by shooting pains, emaciation, loss of muscular coordination, and disturbances of sensation and digestion. Also called Duchenne's disease, locomotor ataxia, spinal atrophy.

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Tabes dorsalis

A progressive deterioration of the spinal cord and spinal nerves associated with tertiary syphilis.

Mentioned in: Syphilis

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tabes dorsalis

Etymology: L, tabes, wasting, dorsum, the back

an abnormal condition characterized by the slow degeneration of all or part of the body and the progressive loss of deep tendon reflexes, caused by syphilis. This disease involves the posterior columns and posterior roots of the spinal cord and destroys the large joints of affected limbs in some individuals. A wide-base ataxic gait is usually present. It is often accompanied by incontinence and impotence and severe flashing pains in the abdomen and extremities.

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tabes,

n a gradual, progressive wasting of the body in any chronic disease.

tabes dorsalis

n a form of neurosyphilis in which degeneration in the posterior roots of the spinal nerves and posterior column of the spinal cord exists. Manifestations include pain and paresthesia of the trunk, hands, and feet, abdominal pain crises, ataxia, Argyll Robertson pupil, atrophy of the optic nerve, and Charcot's joint.

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tabes dorsalis 

A degenerative disease of the posterior columns of the spinal cord, the posterior spinal roots and the peripheral nerves accompanied by a number of ocular signs and symptoms such as atrophy of the optic nerve, visual field defects, ptosis, Argyll Robertson pupil and paralysis of one or more of the extraocular muscles. The disease is a result of neurosyphilis.

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tabes dorsalis

Tabes syphilis, tabetic neurosyphilis Neurology Slowly progressive degeneration of the dorsal/posterior columns of the spinal cord typical of late or tertiary phase of syphilis, which occurs a decade or more after infection, when it is improperly treated Clinical Sharp–lightning pain, ataxia, optic nerve degeneration leading to blindness, urinary incontinence, loss of position sense, joint degeneration, aka Charcot's joints. See Charcot's joints, Syphilis. Cf Friedreich's tabes, Pseudotabes.