Organic Brain Disorders

Question 1

What are the characteristic features of Wernicke’s encephalopathy? How is it managed?

Answer 1

• Acute, reversible
• Triad: nystagmus (CN VI palsy), ataxia and confusion
• Management
  
  • Thiamine 100mg PO daily for 1-2 weeks

Question 2

What are the characteristic features of Korsakoff syndrome? How is it managed?

Answer 2

• Chronic, mostly irreversible (only 20% reversible with treatment)
• Anterograde amnesia and confabulations, apathy, poor insight, persists beyond usual duration of intoxication/withdrawal
• Management
  
  • Thiamine 100mg PO bd/tds for 3-12 months