Juvenile general paresis
ICD-10 A50.45 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of juvenile general paresis.
Juvenile general paresis is a severe neuropsychiatric manifestation of congenital syphilis, primarily affecting children and adolescents. It results from the central nervous system involvement of Treponema pallidum, the bacterium responsible for syphilis. Clinically, it presents with a range of symptoms including cognitive decline, personality changes, and motor dysfunction. The condition is characterized by progressive neurological deterioration, which may include seizures, ataxia, and various psychiatric symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation, serological testing for syphilis, and neuroimaging studies that may reveal cerebral atrophy or other abnormalities. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible damage. Treatment usually involves high-dose penicillin therapy, which can effectively manage the infection and mitigate neurological symptoms if initiated promptly. Long-term follow-up is necessary to monitor for potential complications and to provide supportive care.
Detailed history of syphilis exposure, serological test results, and treatment plans.
Management of congenital syphilis cases and monitoring for neurological complications.
Need for interdisciplinary collaboration with neurology for comprehensive care.
Neurological assessments, imaging results, and cognitive evaluations.
Evaluation of cognitive decline and motor dysfunction in pediatric patients.
Documentation must clearly link neurological findings to syphilis diagnosis.
Used to confirm diagnosis of syphilis in patients presenting with neurological symptoms.
Document the reason for testing and results in the medical record.
Infectious disease specialists should ensure comprehensive testing is performed.
Juvenile general paresis is a severe neurological condition resulting from congenital syphilis, characterized by cognitive decline, motor dysfunction, and psychiatric symptoms.
Treatment typically involves high-dose penicillin therapy, which can effectively manage the infection and mitigate neurological symptoms if initiated promptly.
