Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome | |||
| image = [[File:Thiamine_cation_3D_ball.png|alt=Thiamine cation 3D ball model]] | |||
| caption = [[Thiamine]] cation | |||
| field = [[Neurology]], [[Psychiatry]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Confusion]], [[Ataxia]], [[Ophthalmoplegia]], [[Memory loss]], [[Confabulation]] | |||
| complications = [[Korsakoff syndrome]] | |||
| onset = [[Acute]] for Wernicke's encephalopathy, [[Chronic (medicine)|chronic]] for Korsakoff's syndrome | |||
| duration = Variable | |||
| causes = [[Thiamine deficiency]] | |||
| risks = [[Alcoholism]], [[Malnutrition]], [[Eating disorders]], [[Hyperemesis gravidarum]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical diagnosis]], [[MRI]] | |||
| differential = [[Hepatic encephalopathy]], [[Delirium tremens]], [[Hypoglycemia]] | |||
| prevention = [[Thiamine supplementation]] | |||
| treatment = [[Thiamine]] administration, [[Supportive care]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depends on early treatment | |||
| frequency = Unknown | |||
}} | |||
[[File:MRI_FLAIR_sequence_Wernicke_Encephalopathy.jpg|MRI FLAIR sequence of Wernicke Encephalopathy|thumb|left]] | |||
[[File:MRI_DWI_sequence_showing_restricted_diffusion_in_the_mesial_dorsal_thalami.jpg|MRI DWI sequence showing restricted diffusion in the mesial dorsal thalami|thumb]] | |||
[[File:MRI_FLAIR_sequence_showing_hyperintense_signal_in_the_periaqueducal_grey_matter_in_Wernicke_Encephalopathy.jpg|MRI FLAIR sequence showing hyperintense signal in the periaqueductal grey matter in Wernicke Encephalopathy|thumb|left]] | |||
'''Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome''' (WKS) is a type of brain disorder caused by a lack of vitamin B1, or thiamine. The syndrome is actually two separate conditions that can occur at the same time. [[Wernicke's encephalopathy]] and [[Korsakoff psychosis]] are the two conditions that make up WKS. | '''Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome''' (WKS) is a type of brain disorder caused by a lack of vitamin B1, or thiamine. The syndrome is actually two separate conditions that can occur at the same time. [[Wernicke's encephalopathy]] and [[Korsakoff psychosis]] are the two conditions that make up WKS. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
WKS is usually caused by heavy, long-term use of alcohol. The body needs vitamin B1 to break down alcohol. Too much alcohol can deplete the body's supply of this vitamin. This can damage the brain and cause WKS. Other conditions that can lead to WKS include [[AIDS]], cancers that have spread throughout the body, extreme [[malnutrition]], and certain other medical conditions that affect how the body absorbs food. | WKS is usually caused by heavy, long-term use of alcohol. The body needs vitamin B1 to break down alcohol. Too much alcohol can deplete the body's supply of this vitamin. This can damage the brain and cause WKS. Other conditions that can lead to WKS include [[AIDS]], cancers that have spread throughout the body, extreme [[malnutrition]], and certain other medical conditions that affect how the body absorbs food. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
Symptoms of WKS can vary. They can include confusion, loss of muscle coordination, and memory problems. In some cases, symptoms can get worse over time and cause severe brain damage. | Symptoms of WKS can vary. They can include confusion, loss of muscle coordination, and memory problems. In some cases, symptoms can get worse over time and cause severe brain damage. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Doctors diagnose WKS based on symptoms and medical history. They may also use medical tests, such as a brain MRI or a thiamine level test. | Doctors diagnose WKS based on symptoms and medical history. They may also use medical tests, such as a brain MRI or a thiamine level test. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for WKS involves replacing the missing thiamine, stopping alcohol use, and eating a balanced diet. Some people may need to take thiamine supplements for the rest of their lives. | Treatment for WKS involves replacing the missing thiamine, stopping alcohol use, and eating a balanced diet. Some people may need to take thiamine supplements for the rest of their lives. | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
The outlook for people with WKS varies. Some people improve with treatment, while others may have permanent problems. Some people with severe cases of WKS may need to live in a nursing home. | The outlook for people with WKS varies. Some people improve with treatment, while others may have permanent problems. Some people with severe cases of WKS may need to live in a nursing home. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
The best way to prevent WKS is to drink alcohol in moderation, if at all, and to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of foods that are high in thiamine. | The best way to prevent WKS is to drink alcohol in moderation, if at all, and to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of foods that are high in thiamine. | ||
[[Category:Neurological disorders]] | [[Category:Neurological disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Alcohol and health]] | [[Category:Alcohol and health]] | ||
[[Category:Vitamin deficiencies]] | [[Category:Vitamin deficiencies]] | ||
[[Category:Psychiatric disorders]] | [[Category:Psychiatric disorders]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 09:05, 13 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Confusion, Ataxia, Ophthalmoplegia, Memory loss, Confabulation |
| Complications | Korsakoff syndrome |
| Onset | Acute for Wernicke's encephalopathy, chronic for Korsakoff's syndrome |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Thiamine deficiency |
| Risks | Alcoholism, Malnutrition, Eating disorders, Hyperemesis gravidarum |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis, MRI |
| Differential diagnosis | Hepatic encephalopathy, Delirium tremens, Hypoglycemia |
| Prevention | Thiamine supplementation |
| Treatment | Thiamine administration, Supportive care |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on early treatment |
| Frequency | Unknown |
| Deaths | N/A |
Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is a type of brain disorder caused by a lack of vitamin B1, or thiamine. The syndrome is actually two separate conditions that can occur at the same time. Wernicke's encephalopathy and Korsakoff psychosis are the two conditions that make up WKS.
Causes[edit]
WKS is usually caused by heavy, long-term use of alcohol. The body needs vitamin B1 to break down alcohol. Too much alcohol can deplete the body's supply of this vitamin. This can damage the brain and cause WKS. Other conditions that can lead to WKS include AIDS, cancers that have spread throughout the body, extreme malnutrition, and certain other medical conditions that affect how the body absorbs food.
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of WKS can vary. They can include confusion, loss of muscle coordination, and memory problems. In some cases, symptoms can get worse over time and cause severe brain damage.
Diagnosis[edit]
Doctors diagnose WKS based on symptoms and medical history. They may also use medical tests, such as a brain MRI or a thiamine level test.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for WKS involves replacing the missing thiamine, stopping alcohol use, and eating a balanced diet. Some people may need to take thiamine supplements for the rest of their lives.
Prognosis[edit]
The outlook for people with WKS varies. Some people improve with treatment, while others may have permanent problems. Some people with severe cases of WKS may need to live in a nursing home.
Prevention[edit]
The best way to prevent WKS is to drink alcohol in moderation, if at all, and to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of foods that are high in thiamine.
