Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Description
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is a neurological disorder caused by severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, often due to chronic alcoholism, malnutrition, or prolonged vomiting. It consists of two phases: Wernicke’s encephalopathy – Acute brain dysfunction, and Korsakoff’s syndrome – Chronic memory impairment. Symptoms include: Confusion, disorientation, and difficulty speaking, Loss of muscle coordination (ataxia), tremors, and vision problems, and Severe memory loss (amnesia) and hallucinations in later stages. Doctors diagnose WKS based on symptoms, medical history, and blood tests for vitamin B1 levels. Treatment involves immediate thiamine supplementation, improved nutrition, and alcohol cessation. If untreated, it can cause permanent brain damage or death.