What is Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome?

A brain disorder that is caused by thiamine deficiencies is called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. It is a combination of Wernicke's encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome, with Korsakoff's syndrome happening usually when Wernicke's encephalopathy is going away.

Symptoms of Wernicke's Encephalopathy

Some of the signs of this condition include confusion, abnormal eye movements, eyelid drooping, double vision, and leg tremors or other losses of muscle coordination.

Symptoms of Korsakoff Syndrome

Signs of this condition include hallucinations, loss of memory, inability to form new memories, and making up stories. There also may be symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Diagnosis

A physical examination may show a low body temperature, low blood pressure, abnormal or decreased reflexes, abnormal eye movement, fast pulse, muscle atrophy, muscle weakness, and problems with coordination and walking. There may be blood or urine tests done, or a brain MRI to check the brain tissue changes. There may be testing to check for the cause of the thiamine deficiency or to check their nutrition level to see if they are poorly nourished.

Treatment

Treatment consists of treating the symptoms and making sure that the condition doesn't get worse. There may be a needed hospital stay involved. There may be other monitoring needed if the person is unconscious, comatose, or lethargic. There can be thiamine given, orally or by injection. Well balanced diets and the removal of alcohol from the diet can help in nerve damage and in boosting brain function.

Some of the complications of this syndrome can be a shortened life span, alcohol withdrawal, difficulty with social interaction, fall-induced injuries, or permanent loss of thinking skill and memory.

Source: A.D.A.M.