MD Author

Special Issue Article Open Access

Two Beers and a Bad Taco: A Recipe for Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

Author(s):

Saumya M. Shah, MD; Amy S. Oxentenko, MD

Wernicke-Korsakoff(WK) syndrome is known to be one of the most serious neurologic consequences of thiamine deficiency secondary to malnutrition and most commonly, excess alcohol use. The presenting symptoms of WK syndrome often include ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and confusion. However, various studies have indicated that less than 10% of patients present with the triad of symptoms. Most often, mental status change is the most common presenting symptom.1,2 Moreover, patients with alcohol use disorder often present to the hospital with other medical complications of their alcohol consumption, including pancreatitis or alcoholic hepatitis, so the underlying neurologic syndrome related to thiamine deficiency can be missed. 
Case Description:
A 51-year-old Bangladeshi man pr... view more»

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