Definition
Definition
Wernicke encephalopathy is a brain disorder. It can lead to a variety of symptoms such as confusion, lack of muscle coordination, and eye movement difficulties.
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Causes
Causes
Wernicke encephalopathy is caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. The deficiency may be caused by poor nutrition, problems absorbing vitamins, or both.
Vitamin B deficiency is common in those with alcoholism. Excessive intake of alcohol is associated with poor diets and damage to the intestines that make it difficult to absorb vitamins. However, not everyone with alcoholism develops Wernicke encephalopathy. A combination of genes and diet may play a role.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your risk of Wernicke encephalopathy include:
- Alcoholism
- Poor nutrition or fasting
- A diet rich in carbohydrates
- Cancer and chemotherapy treatments
- Gastrointestinal disorders and surgical procedures
- Severe vomiting
- Systemic diseases such as AIDS, dialysis and renal diseases, infections, and thyroid disease
- Eating disorders
- Certain medications
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Mental status changes, including confusion, poor concentration, lack of emotion, and memory loss
- Vision problems
- Poor coordination
- Difficulty walking and sitting
- Nausea and vomiting
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
The level of thiamine in your blood will be measured. This can be done with a blood test.
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Options include:
- Thiamin supplements—to treat the thiamine deficiency that is causing your Wernicke encephalopathy.
- Dietary changes—you will need to drink plenty of water. You may also be referred to a dietitian to help with meal planning, especially if your diet is high in carbohydrates.
If Wernicke encephalopathy is associated with alcoholism or an eating disorder, you may be referred to a rehabilitation facility.
Prevention
Prevention
To help reduce your chance of getting Wernicke encephalopathy, take these steps:
-
Ensure that you are getting enough thiamine in your diet.
- Daily goals are 1.1 mg a day for women and 1.2 mg a day for men
- Include foods rich in thiamine such as lentils, peas, fortified breakfast cereal, pecans, spinach, oranges, milk, and eggs
-
Limit your alcohol intake to a moderate level.
- Moderate is two or fewer drinks per day for men and one or fewer drinks per day for women
- If you have a drinking problem, talk to your doctor right away about treatment options.
RESOURCES:
National Institute on Aging http://www.nia.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
References:
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMicm040862
Accessed November 12, 2014.
Wernicke encephalopathy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated October 14, 2013. Accessed November 12, 2014.
Wernicke’s encephalopathy. University of Virginia School of Medicine website. Available at:
http://www.medicine.virginia.edu/clinical/departments/medicine/divisions/digestive-health/nutrition-support-team/nutrition-articles/ThomsonArticle.pdf
Published June 2009. Accessed November 12, 2014.
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Patient UK website. Available at:
http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Wernicke-Korsakoff-Syndrome.htm
Updated September 19, 2014. Accessed November 12, 2014.
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Radiopaedia website. Available at:
http://radiopaedia.org/articles/wernicke-korsakoff-syndrome
Accessed November 12, 2014.
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/wernicke_korsakoff/wernicke-korsakoff.htm
Updated February 14, 2007. Accessed November 12, 2014.
What is Korsakoff’s syndrome. Alzheimer’s Society website. Available at:
http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=98
Updated May 2012. Accessed November 11, 2014.
Last Updated: 12/20/2014