Wernicke-korsakoff-synodrome

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a brain disorder involving loss of specific brain functions caused by a thiamine deficiency . It may result from alcohol abuse, dietary deficiencies, prolonged vomiting, eating disorders, or the effects of chemotherapy. It is also known as cerebral beriberi, which is beriberi (thiamine deficiency disease) in the brain. Korsakoff's syndrome, with symptoms of severe anterograde and retrograde amnesia, is caused by damage to mammillary bodies and other brain regions due to deficiency of thiamine. The main features of Korsakoff's amnesic syndrome are the impairments in acquiring new information or establishing new memories, and in retrieving previous memories. The heart, vascular, and nervous system are involved. Symptoms include amnesia, confabulation, attention deficit, disorientation, and vision impairment. New information is processed normally, but almost immediately forgotten, never making it into the regions of the brain where memories of the past are stored. People with Korsakoff syndrome thus have no memories of events that happened after the onset of the illness. Many previously stored memories are still available, however, explaining why individuals with Korsakoff syndrome can usually remember the distant past quite well.

Wernicke's encephalopathy is a degenerative brain disorder caused by the lack of thiamine (vitamin B1) It also helps the heart, nervous system and muscles function properly. It's found in pasta, wholegrains, lean meats (eg, pork), fish, fortified cereals, peas, dried beans and soya beans. Symptoms include mental confusion, vision impairment, stupor, coma, hypothermia, hypotension, and ataxia. An association of Gayet-Wernicke and Korsakoff' syndromes frequently observed in alcoholic, nutritionally deficient patients with the Gayet-Wernicke syndrome. The typical person with Korsakoff syndrome appears fairly normal on first impression. Intelligence is intact, and individuals with the syndrome can carry on a conversation quite naturally. On examination, patients have difficulty moving their eyes to follow a visual stimulus due to paralysis of the muscles controlling eye movements. If left untreated, most of these symptoms may resolve spontaneously, but the severe memory disorder characteristic of Korsakoff syndrome remains. Although Wernicke's and Korsakoff's may appear to be two different disorders, they are generally considered to be different stages of the same disorder, which is called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

Causes of Wernicke-korsakoff-synodrome

The common Causes of Wernicke-korsakoff-synodrome :

• Gastric malignancy.
• Intestinal obstruction.
• Intravenous hyperalimentation.
• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
• The cause is generally attributed to malnutrition, especially lack of vitamin B1 ( thiamine ), which is common in those with alcoholism.

Symptoms of Wernicke-korsakoff-synodrome

Some Symptoms of Wernicke-korsakoff-synodrome :

• Inability to form new memories.
• Confabulation (making up stories).
• Vision changes.
• Unsteadiness, muscle weakness and lack of coordination.
• Abnormal eye movements.
• Staggering gait.
• Confusion, permanent gaps in memory and problems with learning new information.
• Eyelid drooping.

Treatment of Wernicke-korsakoff-synodrome

• If the condition is caught early and drinking stops, treatment with high-dose thiamine may reverse some, but usually not all, of the damage.
• In later stages, damage is more severe and does not respond to treatment.
• Treatment involves replacement of thiamine and providing proper nutrition and hydration. In some cases, drug therapy is also recommended.
• Abstinence or moderate alcohol use and adequate nutrition reduce the risk of developing Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. If a heavy drinker is determined not to quit, thiamine supplementation and a good diet may help prevent the development of this condition, but not if damage has already occurred.
• This version of the Encyclopedia has no treatment information. Please discuss any and all treatment options for your condition with your healthcare professional.

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Wernicke korsakoff synodrome