Thiamine Deficiency: The Cause of Wernicke's Syndrome and Korsakoff's Syndrome

The vitamin B complex consists of several vitamins, one of which is thiamine. This vitamin is present in great quantity in the outer layers of the grains of cereals, especially wheat and rice. Eggs, fresh milk, malt extract, and brewer's yeast also contain generous amounts of thiamine. Liver is the best source of thiamine among flesh foods, while fresh fruits and vegetables can help supply some of the body's requirements for this vitamin.

Also called vitamin B1, thiamine assists in the body's function of converting carbohydrates into energy. It is also essential for the normal functioning of the muscles, heart, and nervous system. This is why in cases when there is thiamine deficiency, certain conditions - specifically, nervous disorders - develop. Two related nervous disorders that are caused by thiamine deficiency are Wernicke's syndrome and Korsakoff's syndrome.

Wernicke's syndrome:

Named after the German physician Dr. Carl Wernicke, Wernicke's syndrome results from thiamine deficiency which usually occurs in chronic alcoholics. However, evidence indicates that Wernicke's syndrome is due to thiamine deficiency rather than to the alcohol as such.

In Wernicke's syndrome, certain nerve cells situated near the center of the brain deteriorate. The groups of cells involved in this condition will vary from case to case and hence the symptoms of the condition too. The usual symptoms of Wernicke's syndrome include double vision, incoordination (ataxia), and neuritis. Certain mental changes, such as indifference, forgetfulness, and disorientation, can also occur. There may likewise be hallucinations much like those in delirium tremens.

Korsakoff's syndrome:

Named after the Russian neuropsychiatrist Dr. Sergei Korsakoff, Korsakoff's syndrome resembles Wernicke's syndrome; thiamine deficiency is also its usual cause. This nervous disorder consists of a defect of mental function marked by faulty memory and confusion of thinking. In some cases of Korsakoff's syndrome, the affected person exhibits a tendency to confabulate; that is, he fabricates replies to questions he cannot answer.

In Korsakoff's syndrome, the affected person may not remember things that took place a few minutes earlier. He fails to recognize familiar faces and surroundings. He does not know where he is or the time of the day. Longtime heavy users of alcohol are the typical sufferers of Korsakoff's syndrome, although the condition occasionally occurs in nondrinkers who have suffered brain damage from head injuries.

Treatment of Wernicke's syndrome and Korsakoff's syndrome:

Treatment usually brings about improvement, and its success depends upon how early the treatments are begun. Without treatment, Wernicke's syndrome or Korsakoff's syndrome progresses to a fatal outcome. Obviously, the treatment will focus on addressing the thiamine deficiency. The treatment of either of the two nervous disorders consists of withdrawing alcohol and administering thiamine (about 20 to 50 milligrams) for one week or more, as the physician may deem necessary. In most cases, the physician may also see the need for administering other B complex components at the same time.

Sources:

1. "Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome," on MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (online) - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000771.htm

2. "Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome," - on Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders (online) - http://www.minddisorders.com/Py-Z/Wernicke-Korsakoff-syndrome.html

3. "Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome," on Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wernicke-Korsakoff_syndrome

4. "Thiamine," on The New York Times Health Guide (online) - http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/nutrition/thiamine/overview.html