Wernicke's encephalopathy

Wernicke's encephalopathy is a neurological disorder primarily caused by a severe deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1). It is named after the German neurologist Carl Wernicke, who first described the condition in 1881.

Symptoms

The classic triad of symptoms in Wernicke's encephalopathy are mental confusion, oculomotor dysfunction, and gait ataxia. However, only a minority of patients present all three symptoms. Other symptoms may include hypothermia, hypotension, and coma.

Causes

The primary cause of Wernicke's encephalopathy is thiamine deficiency, often due to chronic alcoholism. However, it can also occur in individuals with malnutrition due to other causes, such as gastrointestinal diseases, cancer, and AIDS.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Wernicke's encephalopathy is primarily clinical, based on the presence of the classic triad of symptoms. However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment involves immediate administration of thiamine, either orally or intravenously. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

Prognosis

With prompt treatment, the prognosis for Wernicke's encephalopathy is generally good. However, if left untreated, the condition can progress to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which is characterized by severe memory impairment and is often irreversible.

See also

• Thiamine deficiency
• Korsakoff's syndrome
• Alcoholism
• Neurology

Wernicke's encephalopathy Resources
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