A type of encephalopathy that is usually temporary - that is reversible if treated in time and in the right way - is the so-called Wernicke's encephalopathy or Wernicke's disease .
This particular neurological disease - which owes its name to a German neurologist named Carl Wernicke - arises because of the depletion of vitamin B1 (or thiamine) reserves in the body.
The main conditions that can cause a strong deficiency of vitamin B1 in the body and which indirectly can then cause Wernicke's encephalopathy are severe alcoholism, malnutrition and bariatric surgery .
In all three circumstances there is a reduced absorption (or malabsorption) of essential nutrients, including thiamine.
There are three typical pathological manifestations of Wernicke's encephalopathy:
- Ophthalmoplegia . It is the medical term for partial or complete paralysis of the oculomotor muscles. Sufferers cannot move eyeballs normally.
- Ataxia . It is the medical term used to indicate the progressive loss of muscle coordination. In his presence it is difficult to carry out voluntary movements.
- Confusion . It is a state of mental alteration, which also involves disorientation, decreased alertness, etc.
This triad of symptoms appears simultaneously only in a limited number of cases: about 10% .
OTHER SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
In addition to the aforementioned symptomatic triad, those suffering from Wernicke's encephalopathy may also experience other problems, such as:- Amblyopia (lazy eye), pupil abnormalities, retinal hemorrhage, papilledema, vision loss;
- Hearing loss;
- Apathy, irritability, drowsiness, tiredness, slowing of movements;
- Dysphagia, sleep apnea, seizures, stupor;
- Lactic acidosis;
- Memory loss, depression, psychosis;
- Hypothermia, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), polyneuropathies (neuropathy of multiple nerves);
- Cardiovascular disorders (in particular cardiomegaly, tachycardia and change in pressure levels), dyspnea, chest pain, hypotension;
- Spastic paralysis, choreic dyskinesia and coma.
