![]() Ībout 19% of patients have none of the symptoms in the classic triad at first diagnosis of WE however, usually one or more of the symptoms develops later as the disease progresses. Other symptoms that have been present in cases of WE are stupor, low blood pressure ( hypotension), elevated heart rate ( tachycardia), as well as hypothermia, epileptic seizures and a progressive loss of hearing. Finally, the symptoms involving stance and gait occur in about 23% of patients and result from dysfunction in the cerebellum and vestibular system. A smaller percentage of patients experience a decrease in reaction time of the pupils to light stimuli and swelling of the optic disc which may be accompanied by retinal hemorrhage. In about 29% of patients, ocular disturbances consist of nystagmus and paralysis of the lateral rectus muscles or other muscles in the eye. If left untreated, WE can lead to coma or death. The aforementioned changes in mental state occur in approximately 82% of patients' symptoms of which range from confusion, apathy, inability to concentrate, and a decrease in awareness of the immediate situation they are in. This triad of symptoms results from a deficiency in vitamin B 1 which is an essential coenzyme. WE is characterized by the presence of a triad of symptoms: It involves an acute Wernicke-encephalopathy phase, followed by the development of a Korsakoff syndrome phase. The syndrome is a combined manifestation of two namesake disorders, Wernicke encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome. ![]() Of those affected, 25% require long-term institutionalization in order to receive effective care. Failure in diagnosis of WE and thus treatment of the disease leads to death in approximately 20% of cases, while 75% are left with permanent brain damage associated with WKS. Wernicke encephalopathy and WKS are most commonly seen in people with an alcohol use disorder. WKS is usually secondary to prolonged alcohol abuse. These disorders may manifest together or separately. This can occur due to Wernicke encephalopathy, eating disorders, malnutrition, and alcohol abuse. The cause of the disorder is thiamine (vitamin B 1) deficiency. It mainly causes vision changes, ataxia and impaired memory. Due to the close relationship between these two disorders, people with either are usually diagnosed with WKS as a single syndrome. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome ( WKS) is the combined presence of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) and Korsakoff syndrome. ![]() Korsakoff's psychosis, alcoholic encephalopathy, "wet brain" Medical condition Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
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