Symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

Symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome includes the 42 symptoms listed below:

• Wernicke's encephalopathy - see symptoms of Wernicke's encephalopathy
  • Reduced eye movement
  • Abnormal eye movements
  • Staggering gait
  • Agitation
  • Cold skin
  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness
• Korsakoff's psychosis - usually subsequent to Wernicke's encephalopathy but can also occur alone; see symptoms of Korsakoff's psychosis:
  • Loss of short-term memory
  • Progressive memory loss
  • Creating fictional stories to hide memory gaps
  • Amnesia
  • Personality changes
• Confusion
• Apathy
• Drowsiness
• Nystagmus
• Ophthalmoplegia
• Anterograde amnesia
• Retrograde amnesia
• Confabulation
• Polyneuritis
• Anorexia
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Progressive dementia
• Rapid involuntary eye movements
• Paralysis of eye muscles
• Paralysis of conjugate gaze
• Drooping upper eyelid
• Impairment of pupil reactions
• Impaired ability to control voluntary movements
• Prostration
• Peripheral neuritis
• Small brain hemorrhages
• Brain vessel dilatation
• Hypochromic anemia
• Increased blood pyruvic acid level
• more information...»

Research symptoms & diagnosis of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome:

• Overview -- Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• Diagnostic Tests for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• Home Diagnostic Testing
• Complications -- Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• Doctors & Specialists
• Misdiagnosis and Alternative Diagnoses
• Hidden Causes of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• Other Causes -- causes of these or similar symptoms

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: Complications

Review medical complications possibly associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome:

• Permanent memory loss (see Forgetfulness)
• Permanent personality changes
• See complications of Korsakoff's psychosis
• Death - if thiamine deficiency is not treated quickly.
• more complications...»

Research More About Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

Do I have Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?

• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: Introduction
• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: Diagnostic Testing to confirm diagnosis
• Home Diagnostic Testing
• Alternative diagnoses and misdiagnosis for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• Hidden Causes of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• How serious is it?
• Treatments for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• More about Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: Undiagnosed Conditions

Diseases that may be commonly undiagnosed in related medical areas:

• Brain & Neurological Disorders: Undiagnosed:
  • Adult ADHD -- Undiagnosed - ADHD can be undiagnosed in adults.
  • ADHD -- Undiagnosed
  • Alzheimer Disease -- Undiagnosed
  • Migraine -- Undiagnosed
  • Concentration Disorders -- Undiagnosed
  • Stroke -- Undiagnosed
  • Bipolar Disorder -- Undiagnosed
  • Schizophrenia -- Undiagnosed
  • Epilepsy -- Undiagnosed
• more undiagnosed conditions...»

Home Diagnostic Testing

Home medical tests related to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome:

• Brain & Neurological Disorders: Related Home Testing:
  • ADHD -- Home Tests
  • Drug Screening Kits
• more home tests...»

Wrongly Diagnosed with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?

The list of other diseases or medical conditions that may be on the differential diagnosis list of alternative diagnoses for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome includes:

• Depression
• Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
• more diagnoses...»

See the full list of 2 alternative diagnoses for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: Research Doctors & Specialists

• Neurology (Brain/CNS Specialists):
  • Neurology (Brain/CNS Specialists)
  • Pediatric Neurology (Child Brain Specialist)
  • Pediatric Neurosurgery (Child Neurosurgeon)
  • Clinical Neurophysiology
  • Neurodevelopment Disabilities
  • Neurosurgery (Brain Surgery)
  • Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (Nerve/Muscle/Bone Specialists)
  • Neuroradiology
  • Vascular Neurology
  • Neuropathology
  • Otology / Neurotology (Ear/Hearing Specialists)
• Stroke & Vascular Specialists:
  • Vascular Neurology (Brain Blood Vessels)
  • Vascular & Interventional Radiology
  • Vascular Surgery (Blood Vessel Surgeon)
  • Neuropathology (Brain Diagnostics)
• Senior Health Specialists (Geriatrics):
  • Geriatric Medicine (Senior Health Specialist)
  • Geriatric Psychiatry (Senior Mental Health)
• more specialists...»

Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.

More about symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome:

More information about symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and related conditions:

• Other diseases with similar symptoms and common misdiagnoses
• Tests to determine if these are the symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• Symptoms that may be caused by complications of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• Underlying causes of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

Other Possible Causes of these Symptoms

Click on any of the symptoms below to see a full list of other causes including diseases, medical conditions, toxins, drug interactions, or drug side effect causes of that symptom.

• Abnormal eye movements - see all causes of Abnormal eye movements
• Agitation - see all causes of Agitation
• Amnesia - see all causes of Amnesia
• Anorexia - see all causes of Anorexia
• Anxiety - see all causes of Anxiety
• Apathy - see all causes of Apathy
• Brain vessel dilatation - see all causes of Brain symptoms
• Cold skin - see all causes of Cold skin
• Confusion - see all causes of Confusion
• Confusion - see all causes of Confusion
• Confusion - see all causes of Confusion
• Creating fictional stories to hide memory gaps - see all causes of Forgetfulness
• Drooping upper eyelid - see all causes of Droopy eye-lid
• Drowsiness - see all causes of Drowsiness
• Drowsiness - see all causes of Drowsiness
• Drowsiness - see all causes of Drowsiness
• Impaired ability to control voluntary movements - see all causes of Movement symptoms
• Insomnia - see all causes of Insomnia
• Loss of short-term memory - see all causes of Forgetfulness
• Nystagmus - see all causes of Nystagmus
• Ophthalmoplegia - see all causes of Ophthalmoplegia
• Paralysis of eye muscles - see all causes of Eye paralysis
• Personality changes - see all causes of Personality change
• Progressive dementia - see all causes of Progressive dementia
• Progressive memory loss - see all causes of Forgetfulness
• Prostration - see all causes of Prostration
• Rapid involuntary eye movements - see all causes of Eye twitching
• Reduced eye movement - see all causes of Eye movement symptoms
• Staggering gait - see all causes of Staggering gait
• Vomiting - see all causes of Vomiting

Medical Books Online about Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

Medical Books Excerpts Excerpts of published medical book chapters related to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome are available from published medical books for more detailed information about Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

Copyright notice for book excerpts: Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.

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Symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

Alcohol-related disorder: Signs and symptoms
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Because the person with alcohol dependence may hide or deny his addiction, and may temporarily manage to maintain a functional life, assessing for alcohol-related disorder can be difficult. Note physical and psychosocial symptoms that suggest alcohol-related disorder. For example, the patient’s history may suggest a need for daily or episodic alcohol use to maintain adequate functioning, an inability to discontinue or reduce alcohol intake, episodes of anesthesia or amnesia (blackouts) during intoxication, episodes of violence during intoxication, and interference with social and familial relationships and occupational responsibilities. Many minor complaints may be alcohol-related. The patient may report malaise, dyspepsia, mood swings or depression, and an increased incidence of infection. Observe the patient for poor personal hygiene and untreated injuries, such as cigarette burns, fractures, and bruises, that he can’t fully explain. Note any evidence of an unusually high tolerance of sedatives and opioids.

Although each person abusing alcohol may present in his own unique way, secretive or manipulative behavior may be a manifestation of the patient’s denial of the severity of his addiction. Suspect alcohol-related disorder if the patient uses inordinate amounts of aftershave or mouthwash. When confronted, the patient may deny or rationalize the problem. Alternatively, he may be guarded or hostile in his response and may even sign out of the hospital against medical advice. He also may project his anger or feelings of guilt or inadequacy onto others to avoid confronting his illness.

Chronic alcohol abuse brings with it an array of physical complications, including malnutrition, cirrhosis of the liver, peripheral neuropathy, brain damage, and cardiomyopathy. Assess for these complications in a patient with alcohol-related disorder. (See Complications of alcohol use.)

After abstinence or reduction of alcohol intake, signs and symptoms of withdrawal — which begin shortly after drinking has stopped and last for 5 to 7 days — may vary. The patient initially experiences anorexia, nausea, anxiety, fever, insomnia, diaphoresis, and tremor, progressing to severe tremulousness, agitation and, possibly, hallucinations and violent behavior. Major motor seizures (alcohol withdrawal seizures) can occur during withdrawal. Suspect alcohol-related disorder in any patient with unexplained seizures. (See Signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.)

ELDER TIP Remember to consider the possibility of alcohol abuse when evaluating older patients. Research suggests that alcoholism affects 2% to 10% of adults older than age 60. More than half of all elderly hospital admissions are due to alcohol-related problems.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Alzheimer's disease: Signs and symptoms
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Onset is insidious. Initially, the patient undergoes almost imperceptible changes, such as forgetfulness, recent memory loss, difficulty learning and remembering new information, deterioration in personal hygiene and appearance, and an inability to concentrate. Gradually, tasks that require abstract thinking and activities that require judgment become more difficult. Progressive difficulty in communication and severe deterioration in memory, language, and motor function result in a loss of coordination and an inability to write or speak. Personality changes (restlessness, irritability) and nocturnal awakenings are common.

Patients also exhibit loss of eye contact, a fearful look, wringing of the hands, and other signs of anxiety. When a patient with Alzheimer’s disease is overwhelmed with anxiety, he becomes dysfunctional, acutely confused, agitated, compulsive, or fearful.

Eventually, the patient becomes disoriented, and emotional lability and physical and intellectual disability progress. The patient becomes susceptible to infection and accidents. Usually, death results from infection.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Alcoholism: Signs and symptoms
(Handbook of Diseases)

Because people with alcohol dependence may hide or deny their addiction and may temporarily manage to maintain a functional life, assessing a patient for alcoholism can be difficult. However, there are various physical and psychosocial symptoms that can facilitate assessment.

The patient’s history may suggest a need for daily or episodic alcohol use to maintain adequate functioning, an inability to discontinue or reduce alcohol intake, episodes of anesthesia or amnesia (blackouts) during intoxication, episodes of violence during intoxication, or interference with social and familial relationships and occupational responsibilities.

Many minor complaints that the patient may have may also be alcohol related. He may mention malaise, dyspepsia, mood swings, depression, or more infections. Note any evidence of an unusually high tolerance for sedatives and narcotics.

Secretive behavior is another indication. When confronted, the patient may deny or rationalize his problem with alcohol. Alternatively, he may be guarded or hostile in his response. He also may project his anger or feelings of guilt or inadequacy onto others to avoid confronting his illness.

With chronic alcohol abuse, the patient may experience malnutrition, cirrhosis of the liver, peripheral neuropathy, brain damage, or cardiomyopathy.

After abstaining from alcohol or significantly reducing his intake, the patient may experience signs and symptoms of withdrawal, and they may last for 5 to 7 days. The patient initially experiences anorexia, nausea, anxiety, fever, insomnia, diaphoresis, and tremor, progressing to severe tremulousness, agitation and, possibly, hallucinations and violent behavior. Major tonic-clonic seizures (known as rum fits) can occur during withdrawal. Suspect alcoholism in any patient with unexplained seizures.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Alzheimer's disease: Signs and symptoms
(Handbook of Diseases)

Onset is insidious. Initially, the patient experiences almost imperceptible changes, such as forgetfulness, recent memory loss, difficulty learning and remembering new information, deterioration in personal hygiene and appearance, and an inability to concentrate. Gradually, tasks that require abstract thinking and activities that require judgment become more difficult. Progressive and severe deterioration in memory, language, and motor function results in a loss of coordination and an inability to write or speak.

Personality changes (restlessness, irritability) and nocturnal awakenings are common. Eventually, the patient becomes disoriented, and emotional lability and physical and intellectual disability progress. The patient becomes more susceptible to infection and accidents. Secondary to loss of the cough reflex, pulmonary diseases such as pneumonia may result in death.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Medical articles and books on symptoms:

These general reference articles may be of interest in relation to medical signs and symptoms of disease in general:

• Diagnostic Testing for a Diagnosis of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• Research Alternative Diagnoses for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• How serious is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?
• More about Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• Online Diagnosis
• Self Diagnosis Pitfalls
• Pitfalls of Online Diagnosis
• Symptoms of the Silent Killer Diseases
• Lesser known silent killer diseases
• Books on signs and symptoms

Full list of premium articles on symptoms and diagnosis

About signs and symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome:

The symptom information on this page attempts to provide a list of some possible signs and symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This signs and symptoms information for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome has been gathered from various sources, may not be fully accurate, and may not be the full list of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome signs or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome symptoms. Furthermore, signs and symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome may vary on an individual basis for each patient. Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms and whether they are indeed Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome symptoms.