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)
- Confusion
- Ophthalmoplegia
- Ataxia
- Thiamine deficiency
Korsakoff’s Psychosis (Chronic phase)
- Retrograde amnesia
- Anterograde amnesia
- Confabulation
- Korsakoff’s psychosis