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Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

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Definition:

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a brain disorder involving loss of specific brain functions caused by a thiamine deficiency .

Alternative Names:

Korsakoff psychosis; Alcoholic encephalopathy; Encephalopathy - alcoholic; Wernicke's disease

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Wernicke's encephalopathy involves damage to multiple nerves in both the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (the rest of the body).

It may also include symptoms caused by alcohol withdrawal . The cause is generally attributed to malnutrition, especially lack of vitamin B1 ( thiamine ), which is common in those with alcoholism .

Heavy alcohol use interferes with the break down of thiamine in the body, so even if someone with alcoholism follows a well-balanced diet, most of the thiamine is not absorbed.

Korsakoff syndrome, or Korsakoff psychosis, tends to develop as Wernicke's symptoms do away. This involves damage to areas of the brain involved with memory. Patients often attempt to hide their poor memory by creating detailed, believable stories about experiences or situations. This is not usually a deliberate attempt to deceive because the patient often believes what he is saying to be true.

• Review Date: 9/10/2006
• Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, MD, Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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