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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Prognosis For Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome?

Am curious about my recovery from WK syndrome. Seems I am having to re-train my brain? Will It continue to improve with work- like pairing physical movements with thought ? Make any sense ? I have to tell my brain to tell some body parts to move- this way or that. Where for most people it just comes naturally.
Fri, 21 Sep 2018
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Hello,



Vitamin B1 helps your brain turn sugar into energy. When your brain and nervous system doesn’t get the amount they need, they don’t work as well. Wernicke encephalopathy typically comes on suddenly, and you’ll need treatment right away. Symptoms include confusion, loss of muscle coordination, and trouble with your vision. Korsakoff syndrome happens more slowly. It’s a long-term, ongoing problem that damages the part of your brain.



The first step is to get plenty of vitamin B1. You’ll probably have it put directly into a vein through a needle in your hand or arm (an IV). You might need to have this every day for several months. From there, it’s important to stay away from alcohol and eat a balanced diet. That’ll help keep symptoms from coming back. If it affected how you walk, you’ll likely need physical therapy.



Your recovery will depend mostly on how early you started treatment. Wernicke encephalopathy can often be reversed, but Korsakoff syndrome typically can’t be. If you catch and treat it early, you can make a full recovery, but it could take up to a year. Confusion and issues related to it are often the last symptoms to go away.



Hope I have answered your query.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.
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What Is The Prognosis For Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome?

Hello, Vitamin B1 helps your brain turn sugar into energy. When your brain and nervous system doesn’t get the amount they need, they don’t work as well. Wernicke encephalopathy typically comes on suddenly, and you’ll need treatment right away. Symptoms include confusion, loss of muscle coordination, and trouble with your vision. Korsakoff syndrome happens more slowly. It’s a long-term, ongoing problem that damages the part of your brain. The first step is to get plenty of vitamin B1. You’ll probably have it put directly into a vein through a needle in your hand or arm (an IV). You might need to have this every day for several months. From there, it’s important to stay away from alcohol and eat a balanced diet. That’ll help keep symptoms from coming back. If it affected how you walk, you’ll likely need physical therapy. Your recovery will depend mostly on how early you started treatment. Wernicke encephalopathy can often be reversed, but Korsakoff syndrome typically can’t be. If you catch and treat it early, you can make a full recovery, but it could take up to a year. Confusion and issues related to it are often the last symptoms to go away. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards.