The Korsakov syndrome is a typically rapid-onset set of neurological and psychiatric symptoms dominated by memory impairment, mainly in remembering new information.
In the course of Wernicke-Korsakov syndrome, with vitamin B1 deficiency, symptoms of beri-beri disease may occur, i.e. paresthesias of the limbs, muscle spasms, sensory disturbances, pain in the course of the nerve trunks and weakness of muscle strength resulting in problems in movement.
Other accompanying symptoms consist of:
- dyspnoea
- tachycardia
- circulatory insufficiency
- swelling of the face and jaw
-
disorders of the gastrointestinal tract
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Clinical diagnosis
The clinical diagnosis, in addition to a set of characteristic symptoms, can be confirmed by determination of vitamin B1 levels in serum or excreted urine. MRI can also be a helpful test, showing small haemorrhagic lesions in specific brain structures that tend to atrophy over time.
Treatment
Treatment of Wernicke-Korsakov syndrome takes place in hospital, where intravenous vitamin B1 is given to the patient at a dose of 50 to 100 mg per day, along with a reduction of carbohydrates in the diet. In cases of excessive agitation, benzodiazepines are used to calm the patient. Ultimately, the therapy lasts a very long time and the amount of vitamin 25-50 mg per day is still administered for many months after leaving hospital.
