Which are the symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome?

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) is a neurological disorder that results from a severe deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1) in the body. It is most commonly associated with chronic alcoholism, although it can also occur due to malnutrition, gastrointestinal disorders, or other conditions that impair thiamine absorption or utilization.

Wernicke's encephalopathy is the acute phase of WKS and is characterized by a triad of symptoms:

1. Mental confusion: Individuals with Wernicke's encephalopathy often experience confusion, disorientation, and difficulty concentrating. They may have trouble remembering recent events or forming new memories.


2. Ataxia: Ataxia refers to a lack of muscle coordination, leading to unsteady movements, poor balance, and a staggering gait. People with Wernicke's encephalopathy may have difficulty walking in a straight line or performing fine motor tasks.


3. Ocular abnormalities: Eye movement abnormalities are common in Wernicke's encephalopathy. These can include involuntary eye movements (nystagmus), paralysis of eye muscles (ophthalmoplegia), double vision (diplopia), or difficulty moving the eyes in a coordinated manner.

If left untreated, Wernicke's encephalopathy can progress to Korsakoff's syndrome, which is a chronic and debilitating condition characterized by severe memory impairment and cognitive deficits. The symptoms of Korsakoff's syndrome include:

• Anterograde amnesia: This is the hallmark symptom of Korsakoff's syndrome. Individuals have difficulty forming new memories and may rely heavily on old memories to navigate daily life. They may repeatedly ask the same questions or tell the same stories without realizing they have done so before.


• Confabulation: Confabulation is the production of fabricated or distorted memories to fill in gaps caused by amnesia. People with Korsakoff's syndrome may create elaborate stories or explanations to compensate for their memory deficits.


• Executive dysfunction: Executive functions, such as planning, problem-solving, and decision-making, are often impaired in Korsakoff's syndrome. Individuals may struggle with tasks that require organization or multitasking.


• Apathy and emotional changes: Korsakoff's syndrome can lead to a lack of motivation, reduced emotional responsiveness, and changes in personality. Individuals may appear indifferent or emotionally blunted.


• Peripheral neuropathy: In some cases, WKS can also cause damage to the peripheral nerves, leading to tingling or numbness in the extremities, muscle weakness, and difficulty with coordination.

It is important to note that not all individuals with WKS will experience the exact same symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can vary. Additionally, some individuals may only exhibit symptoms of either Wernicke's encephalopathy or Korsakoff's syndrome, rather than both.

Early recognition and treatment of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome are crucial to prevent further neurological damage and improve outcomes. Thiamine replacement therapy is the primary treatment, often administered intravenously in the acute phase, followed by oral supplementation. In cases where alcoholism is the underlying cause, abstinence from alcohol is essential to prevent recurrence and progression of the syndrome.