Wernicke encephalopathy
Wernicke Encephalopathy
Wernicke encephalopathy (pronunciation: VERN-ih-kee en-sef-uh-LOP-uh-thee) is a serious neurological disorder. It is also known as Wernicke's disease.
Etymology
The condition is named after Carl Wernicke, a German neurologist who first described the condition in 1881.
Definition
Wernicke encephalopathy is characterized by the presence of three symptoms: mental confusion, oculomotor dysfunction, and gait ataxia. It is caused by a deficiency in the vitamin thiamine (vitamin B1), often due to alcohol abuse.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of Wernicke encephalopathy are:
- Confusion: This can range from mild to severe, and can include disorientation and memory problems.
- Oculomotor dysfunction: This refers to problems with eye movements, such as nystagmus (involuntary eye movements) and paralysis of the eye muscles.
- Ataxia: This is a lack of muscle coordination which can affect speech, eye movements, and the ability to swallow, walk or pick up objects.
Treatment
Treatment for Wernicke encephalopathy involves replacing the thiamine deficiency, usually through injections or oral supplements. If left untreated, the condition can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a chronic and debilitating syndrome characterized by severe memory loss and confabulation (making up stories).
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Wernicke encephalopathy
- Wikipedia's article - Wernicke encephalopathy
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