Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome medical therapy

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome medical therapy On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome medical therapy All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome medical therapy
CDC on Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome medical therapy
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome medical therapy in the news
Blogs on Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome medical therapy
Directions to Hospitals Treating Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
Risk calculators and risk factors for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome medical therapy

Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It's easy! Click here to learn about editing.

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

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.