Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) by Clive Evers Wernicke's
encephalopathy (WE) is an acute neurological illness caused by
severe deficiency of the vitamin thiamine (vitamin B 1). It can
occur suddenly and is characterised by problems with the eyes,
problems with gait and balance, and an overall confusional
state. Alcoholism is usually the cause of thiamine deficiency
but cases of WE can also be attributed to anorexia nervosa and
disorders associated with high levels of vomiting. WE can be
reversed by dosage of thiamine. WE is a medical emergency and if
left untreated will result in coma and death. Wernicke-Korsakoff
syndrome is characterised by amnesia and a number of specific
memory impairments. Additionally there is a tendency towards
confabulation. The confabulation can be momentary fantastic when
they produce grandiose descriptions which are repeated.
Wernicke's encephalopathy; Korsakoff's psychosis; Korsakoff's
syndrome; Korsakoff's amnesic syndrome. Symptoms and course WKS
can occur suddenly and proble