Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a combination of Korsakoff's syndrome which constitutes confusion, aphonia and confabulation; and Wernicke's encephalopathy which is nystagmus, opthalmoplegia, coma and, if untreated, death. It is also known as cerebral beriberi, which is beriberi (thiamine deficiency disease) in the brain.
Causes
This condition results from severe acute deficiency of thiamine superimposed on a chronic deficiency . Thiamine is a cofactor in glucose metabolism , and so anything that encourages glucose metabolism without replenishing thiamine stores may result in Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. It is usually found in malnourished chronic alcoholics, though it is also found in patients who undergo prolonged intravenous (IV) therapy, gastric stapling or intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The site of damage in the brain is the mammillary bodies.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis can be confirmed by measuring blood levels of thiamine. The treatment for this is to reverse the thiamine deficiency by giving supplemental thiamine - usually by starting with an initial intravenous or intramuscular dose followed by supplemental oral doses.
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