Alcohol Associated Conditions Flashcards
What is Wernicke’s Encephalopathy?
Neuropsychiatric disorder caused by thiamine deficiency
What is the mechanism of Wernicke’s Encephalopathy?
Petechial haemorrhages occur in structures in the brain- mamillary bodies and ventricle walls.
Where do petechial haemorrhages occur?
Mamillary bodies and ventricle walls
What is the main cause of Wernicke’s encephalopathy?
Thiamine deficiency in alcoholics
How does Wernicke’s Encephalopathy present?
Ophthalmoplegia (paralysis of muscles in r around eye) /nystagmus
Ataxia (impaired co-ordination)
Confusion
What investigations are carried out for Wernicke’s Encephalopathy?
- Decreased red cell transketolase
- MRI
What is the management of Wernicke’s Encephalopathy?
3-7 days of IV or IM replacement of thiamine (B1)
What is given to manage the alcohol withdrawal in Wernicke’s Encephalopathy?
Benzodiazepines
What is a possible complication of Wernicke’s Encephalopathy?
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
How does Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome develop?
If Wernicke’s Encephalopathy is left untreated for more than 2 weeks
How does Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome present?
Addition of:
–Anterograde amnesia (new memories)
–Confabulation (fabricate imaginary experiences as compensation for loss of memory)
to the above symptoms.
What is Korsakoff’s Psychosis?
Memory disorder seen in alcoholics
What memory impairment does Korsakoff’s Psychosis cause?
Impairment of anterograde memory
What is the main cause of Korsakoff’s Psychosis?
Thiamine deficiency
What is the mechanism of Korsakoff’s Psychosis?
Thiamine deficiency causes damage and haemorrhage to the mammillary bodies of the hypothalamus and the medial thalamus
