Wernicke-Korsakoffsyndrome is a neurological condition resulting from a long-term deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine).
It involves two brain disorders that often occur together: Wernicke encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
What Is Wernicke Encephalopathy?
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Encephalopathyis a disease that affects general brain health.
Early Signs and Symptoms
The effects of Wernicke encephalopathy include:
What Is Korsakoff Syndrome?
Any medical condition that can cause vitamin B1 deficiency can cause Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Common causes and risk factors of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome include:
Vitamin B1 has many roles in the body.
How Do You Get Diagnosed?
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
Treatment
Thiamine replacement is the most important and specific therapy for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
If you are diagnosed early, thiamine supplementation might help reverse the symptoms or prevent the disorder from worsening.
Survival after diagnosis of Wernicke encephalopathy averages less than 10 years.
Risks of Untreated Symptoms
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome negatively impacts the quality of life.
The cognitive and psychiatric effects may substantially affect self-care abilities and independence.
Summary
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome affects movement and thinking.
It causes loss of balance, confusion, and changes in behavior.
This neurological disorder is resulting from a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1).
2018;59(4):311-317. doi:10.1016/j.psym.2018.03.011
