User:Mr. Ibrahem/Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome

Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is a disorder which include Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) and Korsakoff syndrome. Symptoms of Wernicke's include sudden onset confusion, vision problems, low body temperature, low blood pressure, and poor coordination. Symptoms of Korsakoff's include memory loss, tremor, and vision problems and is long-term. Most people who have untreated Korsakoff's develop Wernicke's.

The cause is thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. This occurs most commonly due to alcohol use disorder; but may also result from eating disorders, malnutrition, prolonged vomiting, or chemotherapy. The disorder involves damage to the brain. Diagnosis is based on symptoms after ruling out other possible causes.

Treatment involves thiamine supplements followed by an improved diet. Alcohol should be stopped. While many of the symptoms may improve, return of memory function is slow and often incomplete. Without treatment 20% die and 75% are left permanently disabled. About 25% with Korsakoff syndrome require long-term institutionalization. About 1 to 2% of people are affected in the United States.