Wernicke's encephalopathy

Question 1

Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a?

Answer 1

neuropsychiatric disorder

Question 2

Causes of wernicke encephalopathy

Answer 2

thiamine deficiency - most commonly seen in alcoholics
persistent vomiting,
stomach cancer,
and dietary deficienc

Question 3

Clinical features of wernicke encephalopathy ?

Answer 3

ophthalmoplegia/nystagmus,
ataxia
encephalopathy: confusion, disorientation, indifference, and inattentiveness

Question 4

Opthalmologically features of Wernicke encephalopathy?

Answer 4

oculomotor dysfunction:
nystagmus (the most common ocular sign)
ophthalmoplegia: lateral rectus palsy, conjugate gaze palsy

Question 5

Other complication of wernicke encephalopathy

Answer 5

petechial haemorrhages occur in a variety of structures in the brain including the mamillary bodies and ventricle walls.

peripheral sensory neuropathy

Question 6

If wernicke encephalopathy not treated

Answer 6

Korsakov syndrome may develop -addition of antero- and retrograde amnesia and confabulation