Author: James Anderson

Wet Brain: Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

While there isn’t a cure, healthcare providers can recommend treatments to manage your symptoms. Early treatment in this stage, typically with thiamine supplements, can alleviate symptoms and prevent the condition from degenerating into Korsakoff’s psychosis. Although Wernicke’s encephalopathy is generally caused by alcoholism, other potential causes include severe malnutrition, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, and severe anorexia. The most common cause of thiamine deficiency is chronic alcohol use.

Is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome curable?

One study published in 2009 references the rate as about 1%–2% of the general population and 12%–14% in those who abuse alcohol. However, its diagnosis is frequently missed as evidenced by a higher identification of the disorder in brain autopsies than during life. A diagnosis of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome can be challenging. Stopping or limiting alcohol use (follow the advice of your healthcare provider) and having proper nutrition can support your recovery. In many cases, stopping or limiting alcohol use is essential to reduce the risk of developing Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Proper nutrition and supplementation (thiamine vitamin B1 injection or tablets) may help reduce risk, especially for those with alcohol addiction.

Who is at risk for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?

It’s essential to continue eating foods that are rich in thiamine even after you discontinue thiamine supplements. Foods like oranges, milk, spinach, pork, and soybeans are all rich in thiamine. If you or someone you love is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, it’s vital to immediately contact emergency health services or your healthcare provider.

  1. Early detection of WKS is crucial for effective treatment.
  2. Early diagnosis and treatment can reverse some of the symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy, which is the first stage of the condition.
  3. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is rarely reported in children.
  4. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome requires immediate treatment with high doses of thiamine.
  5. Abstaining from alcohol completely while receiving treatment for wet brain is vital for a full recovery.
  6. Wet brain is a severe disorder that needs early diagnosis and adequate treatment.

That also makes it hard for you to learn anything new or make new memories. They can happen if you don’t get enough vitamin B1, also called thiamine. When your brain and nervous system don’t get the amount they need, they don’t work as well.

People who have WKS have a variety of issues relating to memory. You may experience memory loss or be unable to form new memories. However, this is most effective in the early stages of the condition, where thiamine can still help to improve brain function. Chronic alcohol users often have inflamed digestive tracts, making it difficult for the body to absorb the thiamine it needs from the foods they consume. While anyone can develop the disorder, people who consume alcohol are more likely to develop the condition. Korsakoff syndrome is usually a chronic condition that typically, but not always, follows an episode of Wernicke encephalopathy.

Caution: Alcohol Withdrawal

Some research indicates that when Wernicke encephalopathy is due to alcohol misuse, the person may require a higher dosage of thiamine than when it develops from other causes. Interestingly, the risk is also increased after bariatric surgery for obesity. Early detection of WKS is crucial for effective treatment. Healthcare providers diagnose Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome using a physical exam. Diagnosing Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome can be difficult when people are experiencing mental confusion or memory loss. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome requires immediate treatment with high doses of thiamine.

Signs of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome or Alcohol Dementia

Thiamine is essential for converting sugar to energy in our bodies and creating chemical messengers in our brains. In order to diagnose Wernicke encephalopathy, thiamine levels in the person’s blood should be tested. In severe cases, people may experience loss of consciousness (coma).

Treatments are also able to reverse nonpermanent brain abnormalities. The symptoms of WKS may include confusion, changes to the eyes and vision, or exaggerated storytelling. A number of proposals28 have been put forth to fortify alcoholic beverages with thiamine to reduce the incidence of WKS among those heavily abusing alcohol. People with the syndrome may also be confused or disoriented.

Your healthcare provider can discuss treatment options with you to tailor a care plan for your needs. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome happens due to a lack of thiamine. This essential vitamin changes (converts) sugar into energy. When you have too little thiamine, your brain doesn’t have enough energy to work properly. Because the brain is severely deficient in this vitamin, it is essential to begin restoring thiamine levels. Wet brain is caused by a severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency.

Without treatment, about 10-20% of patients won’t survive. According to the Merck Manuals, about 10%–20% of people with untreated Wernicke encephalopathy will not survive. It’s difficult to know how common Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is, as research indicates that it is significantly under-diagnosed.