Reversible neurological deficits in a chronic alcohol abuser: A case report of Wernicke's encephalopathy

Mary Ellen Guido, William Brady, Daniel DeBehnke

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

The abuse of alcohol presents daily challenges for the emergency medicine physician. Wernicke's encephalopathy represents one of the metabolic complications associated with alcoholism. A classic presentation of Wernicke's encephalopathy is reported. The patient presented to the emergency department with the chief complaint of confusion, difficulty ambulating, and visual disturbances. Following administration of intravenous thiamine, the patient's symptoms spontaneously resolved. The pathophysiology, clinical presentation and therapy of this classic disorder are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)238-240
Number of pages3
JournalAmerican Journal of Emergency Medicine
Volume12
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1994

Keywords

  • Alcoholism
  • Wernicke's encephalopathy
  • thiamine deficiency

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Emergency Medicine

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