Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a term used to describe two related conditions, namely Wernicke’s syndrome or Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s syndrome.
Wernicke’s encephalopathy is an acute (transient) condition characterized by a triad of confusion, difficulty coordinating movements (ataxia), and eye abnormalities. On the other hand, Korsakoff’s syndrome is a chronic (long-term) condition in the form of a type of dementia associated with memory loss.
Most, or about 85 percent of people with Wernicke’s encephalopathy who do not get adequate treatment can experience the condition progressing and developing Korsakoff’s syndrome. Generally, this condition is found in adult patients aged between 30-70 years. This condition is slightly more common in men than in women.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome Symptoms
Symptoms associated with Wernicke’s encephalopathy generally include:
- Confusion
- Changes in mental status
- Involuntary eye movements
- Double vision
- Lowering of the upper eyelid
- Cockeye
- Poor balance, difficulty walking
These symptoms are often present first and then tend to disappear as the symptoms of Korsakoff’s syndrome begin to appear.
Symptoms associated with Korsakoff’s syndrome generally include:
- Memory impairment, especially short-term memory loss
- Confabulation, the formation of false memories to fill in missing memories
- Difficulty performing daily functions
- Changes in behavior, apathy, less concerned about surrounding circumstances, repetitive behavior appears, becomes talkative
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome Reason
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1 ( thiamin). There are several conditions associated with thiamin deficiency, including:
- Alcohol consumption. Alcohol interferes with the absorption of nutrients in the digestive system, contributes to liver disease that impairs thiamin activation and interferes with thiamin storage in the liver. In addition, alcohol use is also associated with poor diet.
- Malnutrition and unbalanced diet. Poor diet leading to a deficiency of B vitamins This includes crash dieting, fasting, or starvation (as a result of anorexia, schizophrenia, prisoners of war, and so on).
- Bariatric surgery (stomach reduction).
- Hyperemesis gravidarum (excessive vomiting in pregnancy).
- Systemic diseases, such as cancer, AIDS, spread of Tuberculosis.
- Dialysis (dialysis).
Diagnosis
To determine the diagnosis of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome a complete evaluation is required, which is obtained from:
- History: the doctor will dig up information about the signs and symptoms you are experiencing, past medical history, habits that might trigger this condition, and so on.
- Physical examination: to find out the symptoms that arise according to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
- Investigation: generally done to rule out other causes that show symptoms similar to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Recommended tests include laboratory tests to check electrolyte levels, blood gas analysis, liver function, poisons or drugs; and imaging with a CT scan or MRI of the brain.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome Treatment
To overcome this situation, thiamin supplementation is needed. Often, patients are advised to be hospitalized and receive intravenous thiamin supplementation until no further improvement can be seen. Thiamin supplementation can be continued orally (with supplements taken).
In addition, it is necessary to find out the cause of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. If it is related to certain habits, then these habits need to be stopped.
Based on research, about 25 percent of people with Korsakoff syndrome will recover. While it is estimated that 50 percent will improve even if only partially, and 25 percent will remain the same without change.
If left untreated, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome can be fatal. In severe cases, death from coma, complications from dementia, lung infections, irreversible brain damage, and disseminated infection can occur.
Prevention
Prevent Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome by adopting a balanced, healthy nutritional diet and not consuming excessive alcohol. Examples of foods rich in vitamin B 1 include rice, peas, soybeans, seeds (sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia), nuts (pistachios, macadamias), pork, poultry, asparagus, oranges, spinach, and milk.