Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome Flashcards
1
Q
What is the pathophysiology of WK syndrome?
A
Thiamine is required for production of enzymes required for glucose metabolism in the brain
Deficiency in thiamine causes impairment of this and cellular damage in vunerable areas including
- Superior vermis of the cerebellum
- Abducens nuclei and eye movement centres in the pons and midbrain
- Medial thalamus and connections with medial temporal lobe and amygdala
2
Q
What is the difference between Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s psychosis?
A
Wernicke’s is a syndrome of confusion, ataxia, and nystagmus that is generally reversible
Korsakoff’s is a irreversible dementia characterised by memory loss, confabulation, and inability to create new memories
The pathophysiological mechanism is the same in both - thiamine deficiency
3
Q
Who get WK?
A
Alcoholics
Malnurished
