Drug Induced: Wernicke-Korsakoffs syndrome

• Wernicke syndrome and Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) are distinct but overlapping disorders that occur due to a deficiency of Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
• Wernicke syndrome

  • Neurological disease characterised by confusion, inability to coordinate voluntary movement (Ataxia), and eye (Ocular) abnormalities
• Wernicke syndrome is considered the acute phase of WKS


  If left untreated, transitions to the chronic irreversible Korsakoff syndrome
• When Wernicke syndrome and Korsakoff syndrome occur together, the term Wernick-Korsakoff syndrome is used
• Causes of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

  • Chronic consumption of alcohol
  • Malnutrition
  • Eating disorders
  • Other conditions causing thiamine deficiency
• Wernicke syndrome symptoms

  • Confusion, inability to coordinate voluntary movement (Ataxia), eye (Ocular) abnormalities
• Confusion and disorientation associated with Wernicke syndrome develop over a few days or weeks and are the main problems associated with the disorder
• Wernicke syndrome is an acute syndrome precipitated by thiamine deficiency
• Affected individuals of Wernicke syndrome may experience lethargy, inattentiveness, drowsiness, and indifference
• Delirium often occurs, especially in alcoholic patients who are also withdrawing from alcohol
• If left untreated, affected individuals may develop stupor or loss of consciousness (Coma)
• Some affected individuals may have a slow, unsteady gait, preventing them from standing or walking without assistance
• Korsakoff syndrome

  • Characterised by memory impairment, specifically short-term memory loss, random loss of long-term memories, and confabulation
• Attention and social behaviour are relatively preserved in Korsakoff syndrome
• People with Korsakoff syndrome are usually unaware of their illness
• Wernicke syndrome progresses to the chronic Korsakoff syndrome


  Starts as Wernicke’s and then progresses to the chronic Korsakoff syndrome
• WKS is caused by a deficiency of Thiamine (B1)
• Thiamine

  An important nutrient required to metabolise glucose used by the brain for energy
• Lack of Thiamine

  Affects brain functions in the most metabolically active brain regions, including the activity of the hypothalamus which regulates temperature, appetite, emotions, and growth
• Lack of Thiamine


  Affects the cells of the nervous and cardiovascular systems to a greater degree than the cells of other organ systems
• Groups at risk of WKS

  • Alcoholics
  • People suffering from malnutrition
• Alcohol reduces the absorption of thiamine by the body
• Causes of malnutrition

  • Starvation
  • Eating disorders
  • Prolonged or chronic vomiting as found in certain disorders such as vomiting of pregnancy