Question

What's the triad of Wenicke's encephalopathy?

Answer 1

The triad of Wernicke's encephalopathy consists of confusion, ophthalmoplegia, and ataxia. It is caused by thiamine deficiency and is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The triad of Wenicke's encephalopathy consists of three main symptoms:

1. Confusion: Patients may be disoriented, have difficulty focusing, and exhibit changes in consciousness.
2. Ophthalmoplegia: This refers to paralysis or weakness of the muscles that control eye movement. Patients may have difficulty moving their eyes or have abnormal eye movements.
3. Ataxia: Ataxia is a lack of coordination and balance. Patients may have a shuffling gait, difficulty with fine motor movements, and a loss of balance.

Wernicke's encephalopathy is typically caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, often seen in alcoholics. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment with thiamine supplementation to prevent permanent brain damage. If left untreated, it can progress to a more severe condition called Korsakoff syndrome.