Home Remedies and Herbs for Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a condition that affects the brain and causes brain damage. This condition is actually two separate conditions—Wernicke encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome—that often occur together. Both conditions cause brain damage and are attributed to a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency.¹ Some people, like alcoholics, are more susceptible to a thiamine deficiency meaning they can develop Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome more easily.¹ Each part of the condition produces different symptoms and affects the brain differently. Korsakoff syndrome produces psychosis while Wernicke encephalopathy affects the lower part of the brain and causes vision and muscular impairment.^{1 2}

What Causes Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome?

Wernicke-Korsakoff causes are due to a vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. Vitamin B1 is an essential vitamin responsible for many functions in the body. Without enough vitamin B1, the brain becomes affected and eventually causes lasting brain damage.^{1 2} Chronic malnourishment leads to many different neurological and psychological symptoms. There are many reasons why someone may suffer from a thiamine deficiency. Therefore, there are many possible underlying Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome causes. One of the most well-known Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome causes is alcoholism, which can lead to a thiamine deficiency.² Other possible Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome causes are due to malabsorption, meaning a person doesn’t properly absorb nutrients like thiamine.¹ Some other possible causes of a vitamin B1 deficiency that can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome include:²

• Alcoholism
• HIV/AIDS
• Cancer that has spread through the body
• Chronic nausea and vomiting such as during pregnancy
• Heart failure
• Long periods of receiving IV therapy and not having enough replacement supplements
• Being on dialysis long-term
• High thyroid levels

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome Symptoms

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome symptoms are divided into two sets: one set of symptoms for Wernicke encephalopathy and one set of symptoms for Korsakoff syndrome.² Wernicke encephalopathy symptoms include:²

• Loss of mental function that can be fatal
• Loss of muscle function that causes leg tremors
• Vision changes such as double vision and abnormal eye movements
• Alcohol withdrawal

Korsakoff syndrome symptoms include:²

• Inability to retain memories
• Making up stories
• Psychosis
• Hallucinations

As Wernicke encephalopathy symptoms go away, Korsakoff syndrome symptoms tend to develop. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome treatments focus on restoring nutrition by taking high doses of thiamine supplements.

References

1. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000771.htm
2. https://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/wernickekorsakoff-syndrome