Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a brain disorder caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, usually as a result of alcohol abuse. Symptoms include confusion, vision problems, lack of muscle control, memory loss, tremors, hallucinations, and coma.
Causes[edit | edit source]
It may result from alcohol abuse, dietary deficiencies, prolonged vomiting, eating disorders, or the effects of chemotherapy.
Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
B1 deficiency causes damage to the brain's thalamus and hypothalamus.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
- Symptoms include mental confusion, vision problems, coma, hypothermia, low blood pressure, and lack of muscle coordination (ataxia).
- Korsakoff syndrome (also called Korsakoff's amnesic syndrome) is a memory disorder that results from vitamin B1 deficiency and is associated with alcoholism.
- Korsakoff's syndrome damages nerve cells and supporting cells in the brain and spinal cord, as well as the part of the brain involved with memory.
- Symptoms include amnesia, tremor, coma, disorientation, and vision problems, The disorder's main features are problems in acquiring new information or establishing new memories, and in retrieving previous memories.
- Although Wernicke's and Korsakoff's are related disorders, some scientists believe them to be different stages of the same disorder, which is called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Encephalopathy[edit | edit source]
Wernicke's encephalopathy represents the "acute" phase of the disorder and Korsakoff's amnesic syndrome represents the disorder progressing to a "chronic" or long-lasting stage.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
Prognosis is good if detected early and treated.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment is with thiamine replacement and reversing the underlying cause such as alcohol abuse.
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