Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
'''Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome''' is a is a degenerative brain disorder cause by [[thiamine]] deficiency. This is usually secondary to [[alcohol abuse]]. Although Wernicke's and Korsakoff's may appear to be two different disorders, they are generally considered to be different stages of the same disorder, which is called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome(WKS). Wernicke's encephalopathy represents the acute phase of the disorder, and Korsakoff's amnesic syndrome represents the chronic phase. | '''Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome''' is a is a degenerative brain disorder cause by [[thiamine]] deficiency. This is usually secondary to [[alcohol abuse]]. Although Wernicke's and Korsakoff's may appear to be two different disorders, they are generally considered to be different stages of the same disorder, which is called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome(WKS). Wernicke's encephalopathy represents the acute phase of the disorder, and Korsakoff's amnesic syndrome represents the chronic phase. | ||
==Historical Perspective== | |||
The syndrome is a combined manifestation of two eponymous disorders, Korsakoff's Psychosis and Wernicke's encephalopathy, named for Drs. [[Sergei Korsakoff]] and [[Carl Wernicke]]. | |||
==Daignosis== | |||
===MRI=== | |||
MRI may show changes in the [[brain]] tissue - atrophy of mammilary body. | |||
==Treatment== | |||
===Medical Therapy=== | |||
Treatment consists of reversing the thiamine deficiency by giving supplemental [[thiamine]], usually by starting with an initial [[intravenous]] or [[intramuscular]] dose followed by supplemental oral doses. It is important to start the thiamine treatment before giving any [[glucose]] as the [[encephalopathy]] will be worsened by the glucose. (Glucose administration promotes dehydrogenation of [[pyruvate]], a biochemical reaction which consumes thiamine.) By the time [[amnesia]] and [[psychosis]] have occurred, complete recovery is unlikely. | |||
===Primary Prevention=== | |||
Not drinking [[alcohol]] or drinking in moderation and getting enough [[nutrition]] reduce the risk of developing Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. [[Thiamine]] supplements and a good [[diet]] may reduce the chance of getting this condition, but do not eliminate the risk. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Latest revision as of 17:16, 29 January 2013
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Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome Microchapters |
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Differentiating Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome from other Diseases |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome overview |
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Directions to Hospitals Treating Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]; Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [3]
Overview
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a is a degenerative brain disorder cause by thiamine deficiency. This is usually secondary to alcohol abuse. Although Wernicke's and Korsakoff's may appear to be two different disorders, they are generally considered to be different stages of the same disorder, which is called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome(WKS). Wernicke's encephalopathy represents the acute phase of the disorder, and Korsakoff's amnesic syndrome represents the chronic phase.
Historical Perspective
The syndrome is a combined manifestation of two eponymous disorders, Korsakoff's Psychosis and Wernicke's encephalopathy, named for Drs. Sergei Korsakoff and Carl Wernicke.
Daignosis
MRI
MRI may show changes in the brain tissue - atrophy of mammilary body.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Treatment consists of reversing the thiamine deficiency by giving supplemental thiamine, usually by starting with an initial intravenous or intramuscular dose followed by supplemental oral doses. It is important to start the thiamine treatment before giving any glucose as the encephalopathy will be worsened by the glucose. (Glucose administration promotes dehydrogenation of pyruvate, a biochemical reaction which consumes thiamine.) By the time amnesia and psychosis have occurred, complete recovery is unlikely.
Primary Prevention
Not drinking alcohol or drinking in moderation and getting enough nutrition reduce the risk of developing Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Thiamine supplements and a good diet may reduce the chance of getting this condition, but do not eliminate the risk.