Overview
Definition
Neurologic complication of severe Thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency.
Epidemiology
Varies globally depending on genetics, environment, or exposure.
Etiology & Risk Factors
- Chronic alcoholism, severe malnutrition.
Clinical Symptoms
- Wernicke: Confusion
- Ophthalmoplegia
- Ataxia. Korsakoff: Confabulation
- permanent memory loss.
Clinical Approach
Diagnosis
- Clinical
- low RBC transketolase activity.
Management
- IV Thiamine BEFORE glucose administration.
Complications
- Permanent severe anterograde amnesia (Korsakoff).