Med.Sci 532

Structure-Function

This disease, notably frequent among chronic alcoholics, is due to a deficiency of vitamin B₁ or thiamine.  The poor diet of alcoholics who are suffering from this syndrome leads to lesions and increased microhemorrhages in the mammillary bodies, thalamus and brainstem. This syndrome can also be associated with diseases of the GI tract when there is inadequate thiamine absorption. 

Neurologic symptoms include confusion, memory loss, impaired movements and peripheral neuropathy.  Immediate administration of thiamine is usually successful in treating the symptoms, but sometimes permanent memory loss occurs.

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References

Click on the pictures below to find out about Wernicke & Korsakoff

1848-1904

Korsakoff, Sergei

1853-1900