Wernicke’s encephalopathy

Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a triad of: 

• Opthalmoplegia 
• Ataxia
• Disturbance of consciousness and mental state 

It is caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. 

Causes of thiamine deficiency include: 

• Alcoholism
• Malnutrition 
• Recurrent vomiting 
• Chronic diarrhoea
• Magnesium depletion
• Peptic ulcer disease

Treatment is IV thiamine 

Prognosis: Untreated 20% will die and 85% will develop Korsakoff syndrome

References

Kopelman, M. et al. The Korsakoff Syndrome: Clinical Aspects, Psychology and Treatment. Alcohol and alcoholism. 2009; 44(2): 148-154. 

Uruha, A. et al. Wernicke’s encephalopathy in a patient with peptic ulcer disease. Case Report Med. 2011; 156104. 

Zubaran, C., Fernandes, J. and Rodnight, R. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Postgrad Med J. 1997; 73(855): 27-31.

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