Wernicke's Encephalopathy Flashcards
1
Q
What is Wernicke’s encephalopathy?
A
A neuropsychiatric disorder caused by thiamine deficiency, commonest in alcoholics
2
Q
How does WE present?
A
- Nystagmus
- Opthalmoplegia: lateral rectus palsy, gaze palsy
- Gait ataxia
- Encephalopathy: confusion, disorientation, inattentiveness
- Peripheral neuropathy
3
Q
How is WE managed?
A
- Urgent replacement of thiamine
4
Q
What is the complication of WE?
A
- Korsakoff syndrome: antero/retrograde amnesia as well as confabulation
