Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a common complication of a thiamine deficiency that is primarily associated with alcohol misuse.
This syndrome was classically described as a clinical triad consisting of altered mental status (i.e., confusion or dementia), nystagmus (or ophthalmoplegia), and ataxia. However, less than a third of patients present with this complete triad.
The syndrome is made up of two separate, but related disorders: Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s psychosis.
Symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy: Confusion, jerky eye movements, double vision and inability to coordinate voluntary movement.
Symptoms of Korsakoff’s syndrome: Short- and long-term memory loss, inability to form new memories or learn new information. Making up information to fill in memory gaps (known as confabulation) is a marked feature of Korsakoff’s.
Wernicke – Korsakoff syndrome: prognosis
* mortality rate: 10-20%
* prognosis depends on the stage of the disease and prompt institution of treatment
* residual nystagmus and ataxia in 60% of patients
* chronic memory disorder in 80% of patients
* recovery of cognitive function depends on age and continuous abstinence
The cause of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a deficiency of thiamine or vitamin B1. Individuals with poor nutrition for any reason are at risk for this disorder. The most common social factor associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is chronic alcohol abuse, leading to decreased absorption and utilization of thiamine.
Wernicke - Korsakoff syndrome
