Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome and Alcohol

As cases of alcohol abuse and binge drinking continue to rise, health conditions, like Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, are becoming more common.

According to the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey, more than half of the adults in the U.S. drank alcohol in the past 30 days, 16% of the adult population participated in binge drinking, and 7% admitted to heavy drinking.¹

At our rehab facility in Pompano Beach, we provide treatment for various forms of addiction. We understand that Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome and alcohol go hand-in-hand, and other health issues can result from alcohol abuse. Our dedicated staff of professionals works hard to provide the safest and most effective forms of addiction treatment.

What is Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome?

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a brain disorder caused by a lack of vitamin B1, or thiamine. Korsakoff syndrome and Wernicke encephalopathy often occur together because both result from a lack of vitamin B1. Wernicke encephalopathy causes damage to the areas of the brain called the thalamus and hypothalamus. The thalamus is in charge of sending motor and sensory signals to the cerebral cortex, and the hypothalamus connects the nervous system to the endocrine system through the pituitary gland.² Korsakoff syndrome results from any damage to the areas of the brain that control memory.

Some symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome include:³

• Confusion
• Lack of cognitive function (or inability to think or learn)
• Loss of motor skills (ataxia)
• Low blood pressure
• Low body temperature
• Abnormal eye movement (nystagmus)
• Inability to create new memories
• Memory loss
• Making up stories or memories (confabulation)
• Hallucinations

Individuals struggling with alcohol abuse can avoid health conditions and disorders like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome by starting their addiction treatment with an alcohol detox.