Wernicke encephalopathy in a patient with medullary infarctions: a case report
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is an acute life-threatening neurological condition caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. Patients with WE often present with a triad of symptoms consisting of ophthalmoplegia, gait ataxia, and mental confusion. If WE is not treated in a timely manner, it can lead to serious complications such as confusion, coma, or death. Although alcohol abuse is the most commonly reported cause of WE, nonalcoholic causes-although rare-do exist. Herein, we present the case of a nonalcoholic woman with medullary infarctions who presented with intractable vomiting. Her clinical state subsequently progressed to include ophthalmoplegia and gait ataxia. A diagnosis of WE was suspected based on her clinical presentation; this was confirmed by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the finding of decreased serum thiamine levels. Brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated the complete resolution of abnormal hyperintensities during a follow-up visit, 6 months after treatment.
Authors: Lu Wang, Guan-jie Song, Hong-jun Su
Language: English
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,155
OpenAlex ID: W4402172812