Wernicke Korsakov syndrome

Description of the Disease

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) was long associated primarily with alcoholics, but it is now understood to affect individuals with inadequate nutrition, particularly those lacking vitamin B1 (thiamine). People on prolonged parenteral nutrition, those with intestinal fistulas, or those undergoing dialysis also fall at risk. WKS symmetrically affects various brain regions.

Symptoms

Initially, WKS presents symptoms such as loss of appetite, thirst, abdominal pain, nausea, weakness, fatigue, anxiety, and hand tremors. Three characteristic syndromes later become evident:

• Eye Movement Disorder: Difficulty or inability to move the eyes, drooping eyelids, and optic nerve damage.
• Impaired Balance and Coordination
• Memory Disturbances: Short-term memory issues, with patients often disoriented in time and space.

In alcoholics, psychiatric disorders may emerge, including hallucinations and delusions. Severe cases can lead to consciousness disorders, progressing to coma and potentially resulting in death within 1-2 weeks. Other symptoms may include heart and respiratory disorders, low blood pressure, and nerve damage.

Diagnosis

• Clinical Symptoms
• Electroneuromyography (ENMG): Used to detect nervous system damage.

Treatment

Vitamin B1 administration is crucial. Other B group vitamins are also recommended.