Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome : Mnemonic

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is the most serious form of thiamine deficiency in patients diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. Thiamine deficiency in alcoholics (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome) results in degeneration of the medial-dorsal nucleus of thalamus, mamillary bodies, hippocampus and vermis of cerebellum.

Mnemonic: COAT RACK

Wernicke’s Encephalopathy (Acute phase)

1. Confusion
2. Ophthalmoplegia
3. Ataxia
4. Thiamine deficiency

Korsakoff’s Psychosis (Chronic phase)

1. Retrograde amnesia
2. Anterograde amnesia
3. Confabulation
4. Korsakoff’s psychosis