Definitions:

1. A form of neurosyphilis and affects the sensory nerves responsible for proprioception, the sense of the relative position of one's own parts of the body. NOUN
   • The relentless progression of tabes dorsalis causes debilitating muscle weakness and sensory loss.
2. A slow degeneration of the nerve cells and nerve fibers that carry sensory information to the brain. NOUN
   • Early diagnosis of tabes dorsalis is crucial to prevent irreversible neurological damage.
3. Syphilis of the spinal cord characterized by degeneration of sensory neurons and stabbing pains in the trunk and legs and unsteady gait, incontinence, and impotence. NOUN
   • Before the discovery of penicillin, tabes dorsalis was a common and debilitating condition among patients with long-standing syphilis.
4. The late manifestation of untreated syphilis that results in the degeneration of the dorsal columns of the spinal cord. NOUN
   • The neuropathic pain associated with tabes dorsalis can be excruciating and unresponsive to conventional painkillers.

Synonyms:

• locomotor ataxia