ALCOHOL & WERNICKE-KORSAKOFF SYNDROME | BRAIN DISORDER caused by Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Deficiency | 

DR SANIL REGE, CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST explains Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS).
#alcohol #wernickekorsakoff #alcoholdementia #thiamine
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is a type of brain disorder caused by a lack of vitamin B-1, or thiamine.
The syndrome is actually two separate conditions that can occur at the same time, Wernicke’s disease (WD) and Korsakoff syndrome.
Usually, people get the symptoms of WD first and WD is also known as Wernicke’s encephalopathy.
The most common cause of WKS is alcoholism.
Other causes are:
Malnutrition
Renal dialysis
Chemotherapy
Prominent symptoms of WD are:
1. Double vision
2. Drooping upper eyelid, also known as ptosis
3. Up-and-down or side-to-side eye movements (nystagmus)
4. Loss of muscle coordination, or ataxia, which may interfere with walking
a confused mental state
With Korsakoff's dementia/ psychosis the following symptoms can occur
1. Amnesia for events that happen after the onset of the disorder
2. Difficulty understanding the meaning of information
3. Difficulty putting words into context
4. Hallucinations
5. Exaggerated storytelling, or confabulation
The treatment for WKS may include:
1. Vitamin B-1 given through an intravenous line (IV) in the arm or hand
2. Vitamin B-1 given by mouth
3. A balanced diet to keep vitamin B-1 levels up
4. Treating excess alcohol use
You can prevent WKS by avoiding alcohol and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamin B-1.
Foods rich in vitamin B-1 include:
lean pork
rice
peas
whole wheat bread
spinach
oranges
milk
Credits :
Dr House House M.D. - Histories (NBC Universal, NBCUniversal_International)
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