WERNICKE-KORSAKOFF SYNDROME

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, or WKS, is a brain disorder that is caused by a deficiency of thiamine or vitamin B-1. Wernicke’s disease and Korsakoff syndrome are actually two different conditions that may transpire simultaneously. WD is also called Wernicke’s encephalopathy.

Moreover, confusion, changes in the vision and eyes, and excessive storytelling are some of the symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

The most prevalent cause of Wernicke-korsakoff syndrome is alcoholism or heavy alcohol usage. WKS has also been connected to vitamin B-1 absorption issues caused by dietary deficiencies or other health disorders.

SYMPTOMS

The following are some of the most common wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome symptoms:

  • a confused state of mind that leads to aggressive action
  • Side to side eye movements
  • double vision
  • lack of muscle coordination, which could cause walking difficult
  • The upper eyelid droops.

If you have WKS, you will also experience the following:

  • difficulty comprehending the meaning of the information
  • storytelling exaggeration
  • putting words into the context difficulties

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing wernicke-korsakoff syndrome is not easy.  A person with this condition is frequently mentally confused, making it difficult to communicate with the doctor. If you’re confused, your doctor might miss the possibility of a physical disorder.

Furthermore, diagnosing this illness will begin with the following:

Signs Of Alcoholism

Your doctor may first look for indications of alcoholism. 

Physical examinations may include:

  • heart rate
  • reflexes
  • body temperature
  • eye movements
  • BP

Indications Of Nutritional deficiency 

The doctor will examine you for clinical signs that point to a lack of vitamin B-1. This may include blood tests to assess your nutritional health as well as your thiamine.

The following are the nutritional tests:

  • Serum albumin test
  • Blood test for vitamin B-1

The following are the images tests for WKS:

  • MRI
  • CT Scan
  • ECG

TREATMENT

The treatment for Wernicke-korsakoff syndrome may be needed immediately after diagnosis. These treatments may include:

  • Alcoholism treatment
  • a diet balance to maintain the level of vitamin B-1
  • Vitamin B-1 is taken orally.
  • An IV will be used to inject vitamin B-1 into the hand or arm.

Additionally, the side effects of vitamin B-1 can include sweating, insomnia, and mood swings. You might also experience agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. 

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