Wernicke's encephalopathy Flashcards

1
Q

What vitamin deficiency is responsible for Wernicke’s

A

Vitamin B (thiamine)

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2
Q

Causes of thiamine deficiency in Wernickes

A

Most common alcoholic

Rarer causes:
- vomiting
- gastric cancer
- dietary deficiency

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3
Q

Classic triad of symptoms

A

ophthalmoplegia/nystagmus
ataxia
encephalopathy

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4
Q

INvestigations

A

decreased red cell transketolase
MRI

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5
Q

Treatment

A

Urgent thiamine replacement
- e.g. IV with pabrinex or orally with thiamine

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6
Q

If untreated, what other syndrome can develop?

A

Korsakoff’s syndrome

=> Wernicke-Korsakoff

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7
Q

How can you identify if Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome has developed?

A

Symptoms of wernicke’s with addition of antero- and retrograde amnesia and confabulation

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8
Q
A
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