Symptoms:

Symptoms of dry beriberi include:

• Difficulty walking
• Loss of feeling (sensation) in hands and feet
• Loss of muscle function or paralysis of the lower legs
• Mental confusion/speech difficulties
• Pain
• Strange eye movements (nystagmus)
• Tingling
• Vomiting

Symptoms of wet beriberi include:

• Awakening at night short of breath
• Increased heart rate
• Shortness of breath with activity
• Swelling of the lower legs

Signs and tests:

A physical examination may show signs of congestive heart failure, including:

• Difficulty breathing with neck veins that stick out
• Enlarged heart
• Fluid in the lungs
• Rapid heartbeat
• Swelling in both lower legs

A person with late-stage beriberi may be confused or have memory loss and delusions. The person may be less able to sense vibrations.

A neurological exam may show signs of:

• Changes in the walk
• Coordination problems
• Decreased reflexes
• Drooping of the eyelids

The following tests may be done:

• Blood tests to measure the amount of thiamine in the blood
• Urine tests to see if thiamine is passing through the urine