What are the long-term effects of syphilis?

Neurosyphilis

Neurosyphilis is a serious complication of syphilis that can affect the brain and spinal cord. It can develop in any stage of the disease, but it is most common in the late stages. Neurosyphilis can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

* Headaches

* Seizures

* Confusion

* Memory loss

* Blindness

* Deafness

* Paralysis

Cardiovascular syphilis

Cardiovascular syphilis is a complication of syphilis that can affect the heart and blood vessels. It can develop in any stage of the disease, but it is most common in the late stages. Cardiovascular syphilis can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

* Chest pain

* Shortness of breath

* Heart failure

* Aortic aneurysm

Gummas

Gummas are large, rubbery lesions that can develop in any part of the body, but they are most common on the skin, bones, and internal organs. Gummas can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

* Pain

* Swelling

* Ulcers

* Drainage

* Tissue destruction

Other complications

Other complications of syphilis can include:

* Blindness

* Deafness

* Paralysis

* Kidney failure

* Liver failure

* Death

Syphilis is a serious disease, but it is curable if it is caught early. If you think you may have syphilis, see your doctor right away.