What is wet brain?

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (Wet Brain)

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS), often referred to as "wet brain", is a brain disorder caused by severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. It is, in fact, two distinct conditions that can occur together: Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) and Korsakoff's syndrome (KS).

• Wernicke's Encephalopathy: This is the acute phase, characterized by neurological symptoms including:

  • Confusion: Disorientation, reduced awareness.
  • Ataxia: Loss of muscle coordination, leading to difficulty walking.
  • Ophthalmoplegia: Abnormal eye movements, such as double vision or involuntary movements.

• Korsakoff's Syndrome: This is the chronic, long-lasting phase, marked by:

  • Severe memory problems: Difficulty forming new memories (anterograde amnesia) and recalling past memories (retrograde amnesia).
  • Confabulation: Unintentionally creating false memories or narratives to fill in gaps in memory.
  • Executive dysfunction: Problems with planning, decision-making, and problem-solving.

Cause: The primary cause is thiamine%20deficiency. This is most commonly seen in people with chronic alcohol use disorder, as alcohol interferes with thiamine absorption and utilization. However, it can also occur in other conditions causing malnutrition, such as severe eating disorders, persistent vomiting, or certain medical conditions that impair nutrient absorption.

Diagnosis: Diagnosis can be challenging as symptoms can be subtle and mimic other neurological conditions. It typically involves a clinical assessment based on the presence of characteristic symptoms, patient history (especially alcohol use), and potentially brain imaging (MRI) and blood tests to check thiamine levels and rule out other conditions.

Treatment: Prompt treatment with intravenous thiamine is crucial. Early treatment of Wernicke's encephalopathy can sometimes reverse or lessen the severity of the condition and prevent the progression to Korsakoff's syndrome. However, once Korsakoff's syndrome develops, the cognitive impairments are often permanent. Other supportive treatments may include nutritional support, alcohol abstinence, and rehabilitation therapies.

Prognosis: The prognosis for WKS varies. Early diagnosis and treatment with thiamine can improve outcomes, particularly for Wernicke's encephalopathy. However, Korsakoff's syndrome is often chronic and debilitating, requiring long-term care and support. The prognosis is generally worse for individuals who continue to consume alcohol.