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 due to the exhaustion of stocks of vitamin B1 (or thiamine), present in the body.
The main situations that can cause a serious deprivation of vitamin B1 in the body and that can indirectly 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.
Distinguished in particular by three symptoms - ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and mental confusion - Wernicke's encephalopathy is a disease that can regress with good results and quite quickly, provided it is diagnosed and treated in time .
The first and most important step in the therapeutic process is to re-establish the thiamine reserves. To achieve this, doctors prescribe 2 to 3 daily administrations of the aforementioned vitamin B group.
The route of administration may be intravenous or intramuscular (parenteral).
Both of these methods are safe and effective, although it must be remembered that an excessive dose of thiamine, injected parenterally, can give rise to anaphylactic type reactions.
The subsequent therapeutic stages vary according to the causes triggering encephalopathy.
In fact, an alcoholic should stop drinking and combine thiamine injections with appropriate glucose injections, while a malnourished person should eat according to the needs of the human body .
OTHER TREATMENTS
Since some patients experience edema in various parts of the body (especially papilledema), it is possible that anti - inflammatories are also prescribed.
Furthermore, if other dietary deficiencies have been demonstrated (which is very likely among those who do not feed properly), external supplements of magnesium, cobalamin (vitamin B12), ascorbic acid, folic acid, nicotinamide (vitamin B3), zinc may become necessary, phosphorus and taurine (the latter is indicated especially in the presence of cardiovascular disorders).
