What is the most common sign of neurosyphilis?

Ataxia, or gait problems, is the most common sign of neurosyphilis. In the context of neurosyphilis, the disease can affect the central nervous system, leading to a range of neurological symptoms. Ataxia can result from damage to the cerebellum or other parts of the nervous system that coordinate movement, which is often affected by the progression of syphilis.

While headaches can occur with neurosyphilis and can signify increased intracranial pressure or meningeal irritation, they are not as specific or common as ataxia. Visual disturbances can also be a symptom, reflecting involvement of the visual pathways, but these are less frequent. Auditory hallucinations might be seen in severe cases or related disorders but are not typically the most prominent or common sign associated with neurosyphilis. Thus, ataxia stands out as the most characteristic manifestation of this condition in the clinical setting.