Rapid Review: Wernicke Encephalopathy
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Reviewed March 2024
Wernicke Encephalopathy
- Associated with chronic alcohol use
- Ataxia and confusion
- PE will show nystagmus, lateral rectus palsy
- Most commonly caused by thiamine (B1) deficiency
- Treatment is thiamine repletion with proper nutrition and hydration
- Korsakoff (irreversible memory loss)
Sample question:
A 53-year-old woman with chronic alcohol use disorder presents with confusion and blurred vision. Her vital signs are within normal limits. Physical examination reveals a wide-based gait, inability to abduct her right eye fully, nystagmus, and difficulty with memory. Her alcohol level is 0.0 mg/dL. Which of the following is most likely to diagnose this patient’s underlying disease process?
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