Wernicke's

Wernicke's encephalopathy or Wernicke's disease is a neurological disorder characterized by the presence of Wernicke's triad of symptoms: mental confusion, oculomotor disturbances, and gait ataxia. It is caused by a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1), often due to chronic alcohol abuse, but can also occur in individuals with malnutrition or malabsorption conditions.

Symptoms and signs

The classic triad of symptoms in Wernicke's encephalopathy includes:

• Mental confusion: This can range from mild cognitive impairment to severe disorientation and memory loss.
• Oculomotor disturbances: These can include nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), lateral rectus palsy (weakness of the eye muscles), and conjugate gaze palsies (inability to move the eyes in the same direction).
• Gait ataxia: This refers to a lack of coordination while walking, which can lead to a wide, unsteady gait.

Causes

The primary cause of Wernicke's encephalopathy is a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1). This is most commonly seen in individuals with chronic alcohol abuse, as alcohol can interfere with the absorption and storage of thiamine in the body. However, it can also occur in individuals with malnutrition or malabsorption conditions, such as those with severe vomiting, those undergoing chemotherapy, or those with eating disorders.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Wernicke's encephalopathy is typically based on the presence of the classic triad of symptoms, along with a history of alcohol abuse or other risk factors for thiamine deficiency. However, because the symptoms can be nonspecific and can overlap with other conditions, the condition is often underdiagnosed.

Treatment

Treatment for Wernicke's encephalopathy involves replenishing the body's stores of thiamine. This is typically done through intravenous or intramuscular injections of thiamine. In addition, any underlying conditions contributing to the thiamine deficiency, such as alcohol abuse or malnutrition, must also be addressed.

See also

• Korsakoff's syndrome
• Beriberi
• Thiamine deficiency

Wernicke's Resources
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