Repository logo
 

Don't seek, don't find: The diagnostic challenge of Wernicke's encephalopathy.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

No Thumbnail Available

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Meek, Claire L 

Abstract

Wernicke's encephalopathy is caused by thiamine deficiency and has a range of presenting features, including gait disturbance, altered cognitive state, nystagmus and other eye movement disorders. In the past, Wernicke's encephalopathy was described almost exclusively in the alcohol-dependent population. However, in current times, Wernicke's encephalopathy is also well recognized in many other patient groups, including patients following bariatric surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, cancer and pancreatitis. Early recognition of Wernicke's encephalopathy is vital, as prompt treatment can restore cognitive or ocular function and can prevent permanent disability. Unfortunately, Wernicke's encephalopathy is often undiagnosed - presumably because it is relatively uncommon and has a variable clinical presentation. Clinical biochemists have a unique role in advising clinicians about potential nutritional or metabolic causes of unexplained neurological symptoms and to prompt consideration of thiamine deficiency as a potential cause in high-risk patient groups. The aim of this review is to summarize the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of Wernicke's encephalopathy and to highlight some non-traditional causes, such as after bariatric surgery.

Description

Keywords

Wernicke’s encephalopathy, bariatric surgery, deficiency, nutrition, nystagmus, obesity, ophthalmoplegia, Bariatric Surgery, Humans, Postoperative Complications, Wernicke Encephalopathy

Journal Title

Ann Clin Biochem

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0004-5632
1758-1001

Volume Title

58

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Rights

All rights reserved