B2.027 Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome Flashcards
what are signs of WK syndrome?
confusion
nystagmus (eyes make repetitive uncontrolled movements)
opthalmoplegia (paralysis of ocular muscles)
ataxia (loss of full control over body movements)
short term mem loss
death
what is the first stage of WK syndrome?
Wernicke encephalopathy
what is the cause of Wernicke encephalopathy?
acute b1 (thiamin) deficiency
what is a treatment for Wernicke?
large doses of thiamin
200 mg per day (IV or oral)
if Wernicke is left untreated what does it progress to?
Korsakoff psychosis
what is the cause/effect of korsakoff?
demyelination of the limbic system
inability to remember new and old info
can korsakoff be reversed?
no, permanent brain damage
how many days of thiamin does the body store?
18
how is thiamin related to glucose metabolism?
thiamin is converted to active thiamin pyrophosphate in glial and neuronal cells
thiamin pyrophosphate serves as a cofactor for several enzymes in glucose metabolism pathways
what is the ultimate result of thiamine def due to impairment of glucose matabolism?
mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative toxicity in the brain, beginning with areas of highest metabolic activity
should you restore glucose or thiamine first?
thiamine