Wernicke's encephalopathy

Question 1

What is Wernicke’s encephalopathy caused by?

Answer 1

Severe vitamin B1 deficiency

Question 2

What is severe vitamin B1 deficiency also called?

Answer 2

Beriberi (causes Wernicke/s encephalopathy)

Question 3

Is Wernicke’s encephalopathy a reversible or irreversible acute emergency?

Answer 3

Reversible

Question 4

What is Vitamin B1 also called?

Answer 4

Thiamine

Question 5

What causes Wernicke’s encephalopathy?

Answer 5

Mostly alcohol

(thiamine is poorly absorbed in presence of alcohol)

Question 6

What are symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy?

Answer 6

Ataxia
Confusion
Ophthalmoplegia (paralysis of eye muscles)

Question 7

How is Wernicke’s encephalopathy diagnosed?

Answer 7

Clinically recognised
Supported with macrocytic anaemia and deranged LFTs

Question 8

How is Wernicke’s encephalopathy treated?

Answer 8

Parenteral Pabrinex (vitamin B1 + others) for 5 days acutely
Oral thiamine prophylactically

Question 9

What is a complication of Wernicke’s encephalopathy?

Answer 9

Korsakoff syndrome

Severe thiamine deficiency

Question 10

What are symptoms of Kosakoff syndrome?

Answer 10

Same symptoms as Wernicke’s encephalopathy:
Ataxia, confusion and ophthalmoplegia

Plus

Increased memory loss and behavioural changes

Question 11

Is Korsakoff syndrome reversible or irreversible?

Answer 11

Irreversible

Question 12

What foods are high in vitamin B1 (thiamine)?

Answer 12

Whole grains, meat and fish