Headache as an Initial Manifestation of Syphilis Infection in a Young Woman: A Case Report and Literature Review
Abstract
The incidence of syphilis is increasing rapidly worldwide and has become a public health threat. Although osseous lesions are commonly observed in congenital or tertiary syphilis, some cases of skull involvement have been reported in earlier stages of the disease. A 22-year-old woman with a history of tension headaches presented with a severe, new-onset headache localized to the forehead. Imaging studies revealed multiple osteolytic lesions confined to the skull, and serological tests confirmed cranial syphilitic osteomyelitis in the early stage of syphilis. The patient's condition improved with antibiotic therapy. This case highlights the importance of considering syphilitic osteomyelitis in young adults with unexplained headaches and emphasizes the importance of early recognition and treatment.
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Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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