Suspicion of somatoform disorder in undiagnosed tabes dorsalis.

We present a case of tabes dorsalis, which consisted of intermittent, sharp pains and diffuse neurological abnormalities, and was initially considered to be a somatoform disorder. The unusual behavioural presentations of neurosyphilis may lead to premature psychiatric diagnoses. It is thus important that psychiatric consultants be aware of the myriad manifestations of the disease.