Case report : Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

Abstract

Objective To report a case of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome presenting with ataxia, amnesia and confabulation.

Materials and methods A case consulted from psychiatrist was reviewed.

Results A 41 year-old Thai male has been diagnosed of schizophrenia and receiving treatment continuously. He had been taking alcohol since adolescence. Later he presented with instability of gait and aggressive behavior and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. His instability of gait become worsen, therefore he was consulted for neurological evaluation. Positive physical findings were confabulation, amnesia and cerebellar signs such as dysarthria, dysmetria ataxic gait with left hemiparesis and truncal ataxia to the left. He was treated with intravenous thiamine and occupational rehabilitation. His instability of gait and truncal ataxia gradually improved while amnesia and confabulation remains.

Conclusion Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome with history of chronic alcohol drinking and risk of thiamine deficiency was reported. Instability of gait and truncal ataxia improved within 2 weeks after treatment with high dose thiamine, but confabulation and amnesia still remains. Early recognitions by medical staffs could lead to prompt treatment which may cure and prevent further deterioration to a chronic form.