Eponymous neurologic signs of tabes dorsalis: A historical review (1846-1905)

This article examines the neurologic signs historically linked to tabes dorsalis and assesses their relevance in today's neurosyphilis diagnostics. Using PubMed/MEDLINE and major digitized archives, a structured historical review was conducted with searches in English, French, and German, combining terms related to syphilis and neurologic signs. Ten eponymous signs were identified between 1846 and 1905: Romberg, Remak, Westphal, Seeligmüller, Biernacki, Patrick, Sárbó, Bechterew (Bekhterev), Pitres, and Abadie. These signs point to a characteristic pattern of sensory impairment-patchy loss of pain perception with absent deep-tendon reflexes-reflecting involvement of the dorsal roots, posterior columns, and peripheral sensory fibers. Although now uncommon, findings such as Westphal's absent patellar reflex or Abadie's Achilles hypoalgesia may still appear in advanced, untreated neurosyphilis. They once guided clinicians in recognizing tabes dorsalis before Treponema pallidum was identified, and they remain useful when access to laboratory testing is limited or when patients present late with established deficits. In an era of rising syphilis rates, awareness of these classical signs can encourage timely serologic and, when appropriate, cerebrospinal fluid evaluation.