Wernicke encephalopathy
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Wernicke encephalopathy is "an acute neurological disorder characterized by the triad of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and disturbances of mental activity or consciousness. Eye movement abnormalities include nystagmus, external rectus palsies, and reduced conjugate gaze. Thiamine deficiency and chronic alcoholism are associated conditions. Pathologic features include periventricular petechial hemorrhages and neuropil breakdown in the diencephalon and brainstem. Chronic thiamine deficiency may lead to Korsakoff syndrome.[1]
Diagnosis
History and physical examination
Most patients will have absent nystagmus to cold caloric testing.[2]
MRI
The MRI may show enhancement of mamillary bodies with gadolinium suggesting reversible cytotoxic edemain 58% of patients.[3]
References
- ↑ National Library of Medicine. Wernicke Encephalopathy. Retrieved on 2008-01-01.
- ↑ Ghez C (1969). "Vestibular paresis: a clinical feature of Wernicke's disease". J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. 32 (2): 134–9. PMID 5305749. [e]
- ↑ Zuccoli G, Gallucci M, Capellades J, et al (2007). "Wernicke encephalopathy: MR findings at clinical presentation in twenty-six alcoholic and nonalcoholic patients". AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 28 (7): 1328–31. DOI:10.3174/ajnr.A0544. PMID 17698536. Research Blogging.