GAYET-WERNICKE SYNDROME

Overview and Facts

Gayet-Wernicke syndrome is a mental illness caused by a deficiency in vitamin B-1, often known as thiamine. Korsakoff syndrome and Wernicke’s disease are two different illnesses that can take place in this syndrome. The indications of WD are usually the first to appear. Wernicke’s encephalopathy is another name for Wernicke’s disease.

In 1881, Carl Wernicke documented an ailment in three patients that included paralysis of ocular movements, ataxia, and mental disorientation. The patients, two men with intoxication and a woman with chronic vomiting after ingesting sulfuric acid, showed these signs, fell unconscious and died.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

WKS is caused by thiamine deficiency, which causes acute symptoms (Wernicke syndrome) that progress to chronic irreversible Korsakoff syndrome if left untreated. The following are some of the signs and symptoms of Gayet-Wernicke syndrome.

  • eyesight problems
  • drooping upper eyelid 
  • eye motions that go up and down or side to side
  • lack of muscular coordination
  • a perplexed state of mind that frequently leads to violent conduct

Korsakoff’s syndrome can arise from Gayet-Wernicke syndrome. Korsakoff syndrome patients experience a wide range of memory problems. If you have Korsakoff syndrome, you may also have the following symptoms:

  • forgetfulness for incidents that occurred after the disease began
  • having trouble perceiving what information means
  • having trouble putting words together in the proper context
  • hallucinations
  • exaggerated storytelling

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Gayet-Wernicke syndrome is diagnosed after a comprehensive clinical examination and complete patient records. It includes gathering information about a person’s diet, daily intake of alcohol, and present and prior actions to determine whether or not they have been abusing alcohol for a long time. Testing such as basic laboratory screenings and liver function tests can rule out other illnesses with comparable symptoms. Tests for erythrocyte transketolase and thiamine activity may also aid in diagnosis. To check out malignancies, infarcts, and haemorrhages, CT scans, and MRI scans may be required. 

TREATMENT

The therapy for WKS should begin right away. Prompt treatment can help to slow or stop the course of the disease. Brain defects that are not permanent can potentially be reversed with treatment.

Hospitalization may be required as a first step in the treatment process. In the medical center, experts will keep an eye on you to ensure that your digestive system is properly absorbing your meals.

WKS can be treated in a variety of ways, including:

  • vitamin B-1 is administered by an intravenous (IV) line 
  • a well-balanced diet to maintain vitamin B-1 levels
  • vitamin B-1 is taken orally.
  • alcoholics’ therapy

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