Tabes dorsalis
Tabes dorsalis is a rare nerve condition caused by an old, untreated infection that damages the spinal cord and affects your balance.
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Tabes dorsalis happens when a bacterial infection called syphilis, if left untreated for many years, begins to damage your spinal cord. Specifically, the bacteria attack the back part of your spinal cord, which is responsible for sending signals about where your body parts are located in space.
Because these nerves are damaged, your brain stops getting clear messages about your legs and feet. This makes it very difficult for your body to coordinate movements or know where your limbs are without looking at them.
Common Symptoms
- Sharp, stabbing pains in the legs or stomach that feel like sudden jolts or lightning strikes.
- A feeling like you are walking on cotton wool or that your feet are not touching the ground properly.
- Wobbly or unsteady walking, often with feet spread wide apart to keep balance.
- Difficulty balancing or falling down when you close your eyes or are in a dark room.
- Trouble controlling your bladder, which may lead to leakage.
- Changes in your vision, such as pupils that get very small and do not react normally to light.