Wernicke encephalopathy

Disease class: brain diseases, Metabolic 

 

Also known as 

• WE 
• Wernicke's disease

When WE occurs with Korsakoff syndrome the diagnosis is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

 

Pathophysiology

It is caused by vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency.

 

Symptoms

• Unsteady gait 
• Blurred vision
• Confusion

 

Signs

• Ophthalmoplegia
• Ataxia

 

Risk factors

• Chronic alcohol misuse
• Poverty
• Psychiatric disorders