Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome
Treatment with thiamine reverses most of the syndrome, but the ability to remember events as they happen is often lost forever - Brandon Centerwall
image by: Addiction Actually
HWN Recommends
Signs And Symptoms Of Wet Brain
Wet brain is a layman’s term for a brain disorder known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, it is also sometimes called Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s syndrome, as it is technically two separate issues that usually occur together. Some scientists also believe, however, that it is two parts of the same condition, with Wernicke’s encephalopathy being the acute phase and Korsakoff’s syndrome being the chronic stage.
The symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy usually occur first, causing brain damage to the hypothalamus and thalamus. Afterward, the symptoms of Korsakoff’s syndrome will begin to occur, which…
Resources
Rapid Review: Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
You give thiamine. More than that, there is no evidence based answer. The traditional dose is 100mg PO daily. Some will give 500 mg IV TID for the first 3 days. Others 200 mg IV TID. Others give as much as 1500 mg daily. Really, just making the diagnosis and giving the thiamine is probably all that matters.
What is Wernicke-Korsakoff's Syndrome?
Wernicke-Korsakoff’s Syndrome is caused by malnutrition, specifically a lack of Vitamin B1. It primarily affects people who are dependent on alcohol, but can be associated with chronic malnutrition due to eating disorders, gastric bands and AIDS, amongst others.
How Does Wet Brain Work?
Thiamine deficiency is strongly linked to the brain syndrome known as Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome or “wet brain.” It is mostly developed as a result of alcohol abuse. It is hard to know how many people may have Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome because the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal or intoxication at times.
Put Thiamine in Liquor
The disease can begin over a period of weeks. Ocular muscles become weak or paralyzed. The sense of balance is affected, sometimes so badly that it is impossible to walk. Amnesia and general confusion take over. Finally, the victim may lapse into a coma and die.
Research Check: can even moderate drinking cause brain damage?
And it’s well established heavy drinking over ten years or more can cause significant cognitive difficulties. These include disorders such as Korsakoff’s Syndrome and Wernicke’s Encephalopathy, where memory and other essential thinking functions, as well as motor co-ordination, are severely and permanently damaged. But what about those of us who have two to three drinks a night?
The Effects of Chronic Heavy Drinking on Brain Function Are Underdiagnosed
Experts say alcohol-related brain damage is underdiagnosed and often confused with Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia or just getting older.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome Basics
Primarily clinical, requires elevated index of suspicion in atypical presentations.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: a treatable memory disorder
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) is a fascinating type of dementia, as it is one of the few types that is actually preventable and treatable. WKS is most often associated with alcoholism and, as a condition, falls victim to the stigma alcoholics often experience. But alcohol is just part of the story of this syndrome.
Signs And Symptoms Of Wet Brain
Wet brain is a layman’s term for a brain disorder known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, it is also sometimes called Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s syndrome, as it is technically two separate issues that usually occur together. Some scientists also believe, however, that it is two parts of the same condition, with Wernicke’s encephalopathy being the acute phase and Korsakoff’s syndrome being the chronic stage.
Alzheimer's Society
Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome has two separate stages. First there will be a brief time when a person has intense inflammation (swelling) of their brain. This is known as ‘Wernicke’s encephalopathy’. If this condition isn’t treated quickly, the person may develop a more long-term condition called ‘Korsakoff’s syndrome’. This has many of the same symptoms of dementia.
MedlinePlus
Wernicke encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome are different conditions that often occur together. Both are due to brain damage caused by a lack of vitamin B1.
NINDS
Treatment involves replacement of thiamine and providing proper nutrition and hydration. In some cases, drug therapy is also recommended. Stopping alcohol use may prevent further nerve and brain damage. In individuals with Wernicke's encephalopathy, it is very important to start thiamine replacement before beginning nutritional replenishment.
NORD
Wernicke syndrome and Korsakoff syndrome are related disorders that often occur due to a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1). Wernicke's syndrome, also known as Wernicke encephalopathy, is a neurological disease characterized by the clinical triad of confusion, the inability to coordinate voluntary movement (ataxia), and eye (ocular) abnormalities. Korsakoff's syndrome is a mental disorder characterized by disproportionate memory loss in relation to other mental aspects. When these two disorders occur together, the term Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is used. In the United States, most cases occur in alcoholics.
Patient
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is a spectrum of disease resulting from thiamine deficiency, usually related to alcohol abuse. Wernicke's encephalopathy was originally described by German neurologist Karl Wernicke in 1881 as a classic triad of symptoms (mental confusion, ataxia and ophthalmoplegia).
StatPearls
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a term that encompasses two different syndromes, Wernicke encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome. Wernicke encephalopathy is characterized by an acute confusional state with clinical features that are often reversible. While Korsakoff syndrome is characterized by confabulation, memory loss, and gait abnormalities that are often irreversible and results if Wernicke encephalopathy is not treated adequately.
Introducing Stitches!
Your Path to Meaningful Connections in the World of Health and Medicine
Connect, Collaborate, and Engage!
Coming Soon - Stitches, the innovative chat app from the creators of HWN. Join meaningful conversations on health and medical topics. Share text, images, and videos seamlessly. Connect directly within HWN's topic pages and articles.
