Just as every vitamin has its own specific role in the body, every vitamin deficiency has its own symptoms. Some are better-known than others. On the more obscure side is the one-two punch of Wernicke encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome, which so often come as a pair.
The vitamin to blame in this particular case is B1, also known as thiamine. Now, the condition that results from severe and ongoing thiamine deficiency is known as beriberi. Beriberi can appear in different forms, from the “wet” that affects the cardiovascular system (heart and blood) to the “dry” impacting the nervous system. Wernicke-Korsakoff is a type of dry beriberi.
Wernicke encephalopathy is the acute form, considered a medical emergency. It damages parts of the brain. Symptoms include vision problems, mental confusion and being unsteady on your feet. Sufferers should be given thiamine immediately (orally or intravenously) or they may fall into a coma. In the worst cases, it can be deadly.
If Wernicke encephalopathy isn’t treated quickly enough but it doesn’t prove fatal, it can develop into Korsakoff syndrome, sometimes called wet brain. This is a long-term condition with no cure. It can have significant cognitive impacts, particularly on memory and ability to learn. Some cases will also cause hallucinations.
Managing Korsakoff syndrome depends on the severity of the brain damage and how quickly it is caught. If intervention is early enough, the impact can be minimized, although it may not be possible to restore lost memories. Full recovery is rare. Some people may need long-term support to deal with the debilitating effects of Korsakoff syndrome. There are strategies that may alleviate the impact of memory loss and other cognitive issues.
Thiamine deficiency may be the cause of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, but the cause of the thiamine deficiency may vary. It’s most commonly associated with alcoholism. Excess alcohol consumption can interfere with how the body processes and stores thiamine. In these cases, stopping drinking is as important as taking thiamine supplements. Other causes include malnutrition, eating disorders and gastrointestinal surgery. In rare cases, there may be a genetic aspect.
Diagnosing Wernicke-Korsakoff is tricky because initial symptoms, such as confusion, are very general and could be caused by a variety of conditions. Confusion also makes it difficult for a patient to explain their situation. Diagnosis is vital, however, if you hope for a high quality of life in the long term.
