Wernicke's Encephalopathy

S/S:

confusion,

ataxia,

nystagmus

->leading to ophthalmoplegia

->lateral rectus muscle weakness, conjugate gaze palsies

Korsakoff’s syndrome is a mental disorder characterized by disproportionate memory loss in relation to other mental aspects.

When these two disorders occur together, the term Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is used.

Pathophysiology:

->due to thiamine deficiency and most commonly in alcoholics

Management:

->thiamine (50 mg) is given intravenously immediately

->then intramuscularly on a daily basis

->intravenous glucose given before thiamine may precipitate the syndrome

Diagnosis:

->The diagnosis is confirmed by the response in 1 or 2 days to treatment