[Wernicke encephalopathy in alcoholic patients]

Rev Clin Esp. 2011 Oct;211(9):458-63. doi: 10.1016/j.rce.2011.04.001. Epub 2011 Sep 3.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

A 67-year old male was brought to the hospital by his family because he had been suffering from somnolence, bradypsychia and gait disturbance for one week. He lived alone, reported an ethanol intake higher than 100-120 g/day. His diet was limited in quality and amount. The physical examination showed stigmata of chronic liver disease. The neurological exam revealed right-side cerebellar tremor, bilateral dysmetria and gait ataxia as well as hyporeflexia in the lower limbs. He was diagnosed of Wernicke encephalopathy. How should this patient be evaluated and treated?

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alcoholism / complications*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Wernicke Encephalopathy / diagnosis*
  • Wernicke Encephalopathy / etiology
  • Wernicke Encephalopathy / therapy