SBV Journal of Basic, Clinical and Applied Health Science

Register      Login

VOLUME 6 , ISSUE 4 ( October-December, 2023 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Wernicke's Encephalopathy Not So Uncommon: A Case Report

Ankush Balasaheb Kolhe

Keywords : Alcoholism, Case report, Coma, Seizure, Wernicke's encephalopathy

Citation Information : Kolhe AB. Wernicke's Encephalopathy Not So Uncommon: A Case Report. 2023; 6 (4):79-82.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10082-03200

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 28-09-2023

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2023; The Author(s).


Abstract

Chronic alcoholic patients present with multiple disorders. Central nervous system involvement is common in patients with chronic alcoholism. Most of them present with hepatic encephalopathy. Patients with alcohol use also have a thiamine deficiency because of chronic malnutrition. A potential life-threatening complication of thiamine deficiency is Wernicke's encephalopathy. Wernicke's encephalopathy is characterized by a triad of symptoms: ophthalmoplegia (eye signs), cerebellar dysfunction, ataxia, and altered mental state (confusion). Most patients with Wernicke's encephalopathy are alcoholics. We presented a case of Wernicke's encephalopathy, who presented with seizures followed by unconsciousness and coma. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain is suggestive of cytotoxic injury with diffuse cerebellar edema.


HTML PDF Share
  1. Harper C. Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency and associated brain damage is still common throughout the world and prevention is simple and safe! Eur J Neurol 2006;13(10):1078–1082. DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2006.01530.x.
  2. Naidoo DP, Bramdev A, Cooper K. Wernicke's encephalopathy and alcohol-related disease. Postgrad Med J 1991;67(793):978–981. DOI: 10.1136/pgmj.67.793.978.
  3. Chung SP, Kim SW, Yoo IS, et al. Magnetic resonance imaging as a diagnostic adjunct to Wernicke encephalopathy in the ED. Am J Emerg Med 2003;21(6):497–502. DOI: 10.1016/s0735-6757(03)00094-9.
PDF Share
PDF Share

© Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD.