Overview
What is Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
What is the role of thiamine (vitamin B-1) in the etiology of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
What causes Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
What is the prevalence of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) in the US?
What is the global prevalence of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
Which patient groups have the highest prevalence of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
What is the prognosis of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
What is the pathophysiology of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
Presentation
Which clinical history findings are characteristic of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
Which physical findings are characteristic of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
What are the possible complications of thiamine deficiency in Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
What are the possible complications of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
DDX
Which conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
What are the differential diagnoses for Wernicke Encephalopathy?
Workup
How is Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) diagnosed?
What is the role of biomarkers in the workup of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
What is the role of serum electrolyte levels in the workup of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
What is the role of CT scanning in the diagnosis of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
What is the role of MRI in the diagnosis of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
What is the role of lab testing in the diagnosis of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
What is the role erythrocyte transketolase levels in the workup of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
What is the role of liquid chromatography in the workup of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
What is the role of EEG in the workup of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
Treatment
How is Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) treated?
What is included in prehospital care for Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
What is included in the emergency department (ED) care for Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
What is included in the inpatient treatment of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
What is included in the long-term monitoring of patients with Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients with Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
How is Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) prevented?
What are the possible complications of dextrose in the treatment of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
Guidelines
What are the Caine diagnostic criteria for Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
What are the EFNS guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
Medications
Which medications are used in the treatment of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)?
Which medications in the drug class Nutrients are used in the treatment of Wernicke Encephalopathy?
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This MRI shows typical high signal intensities (SIs) in the medial thalamus (A), periaqueductal gray (B), mamillary bodies (C), cerebellar vermis (B, C, D), and paravermian superior cerebellum (D). All the lesions represent high SIs on the DWI (E–H). The ADC images of the cerebellar vermis (K, L) and paravermian superior cerebellum (L) show low SIs (arrowheads), whereas other described areas (I, J) show iso-SIs (arrows). Image courtesy of Neurology. Apr 8 2008;70(15):e48.