Serious Indicators Of Wernicke's Encephalopathy

Wernicke's encephalopathy is one of two conditions, the other being Korsakoff syndrome, that often occur together. The overarching condition is called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, and researchers believe they may be different stages of one disease. The conditions occur when individuals don't get enough thiamine, otherwise known as vitamin B1. This vitamin is necessary for the brain to convert sugar into usable energy. If the nervous system and brain aren't getting the amount of energy they need, they won't function well. Wernicke's encephalopathy tends to occur suddenly and requires immediate treatment. When treatment doesn't occur in a timely manner, the illness can progress to Korsakoff syndrome, which occurs more slowly and causes ongoing brain damage.