Wernicke's encephalopathy Flashcards
What is wernicke’s encepalopathy due to?
Thiamine deficiency
In who is wernicke’s commonly seen?
Alcoholics
What is the classic triad of wernicke’s ncephalopathy?
ophthalmoplegia/nystagmus
Ataxia
Encephalopathy
What can occur in the structures of the brain in someone with Wernicke’s encephalopathy?
petechial haemorrhages in the mamillary bodies and ventricle walls.
What occulomotor symptoms can occur in someone with Wernicke’s encepalopathy?
nystagmus (most common)
ophthalmoplegia
What are symptoms of encephalopathy?
Confusion
Disorientation
Indifference
Inattentiveness
What are the other two symptoms of wernicke’s encephalopathy?
Gait ataxia
Peripheral sensory neuropathy
What investigations can be done for wernicke’s encephalopathy?
Decreased red cell transketolase
MRI
What is the management of Wernicke’s encephalopathy?
Thiamine replacement- IV Pabrinex
What vitamin is thiamine?
Vitamin B1
What medication is given to repleace thiamine?
IV Pabrinex
What are the other possible causes of wernicke’s encephalopathy?
Malnutrition
Bariatric surgery
Hyperemesis gravidarum
How can korsakoff’s result from wernicke’s?
If it is left untreated
What additional symptoms can korsakoff’s present with?
Antero- and retrograde amnesia
Confabulation
