Wernicke encephalopathy

pathology

Also known as: Wernicke disease

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Last updated

July 15, 2026

Quick Summary

Wernicke encephalopathy is a neurological disorder caused by a deficiency of thiamine, also known as vitamin B1. This condition is often associated with chronic alcoholism but can stem from other causes of thiamine deficiency.12

The pathology involves damage to nerves in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Specifically, it affects areas of the brain related to nerve function and comprehension, such as the Wernicke area, which is crucial for understanding speech. Symptoms can include severe memory loss (amnesia) and confusion, and it may occur alongside Korsakoff syndrome, another neurological disorder characterized by amnesia.213

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alcoholism
Acute diseases
…adequate diet may lead to Wernicke disease, which results from an acute complete deficiency of thiamin (vitamin B₁) and is marked by a clouding of consciousness and abnormal eye movements. It also can lead to Korsakoff syndrome, marked by irreversible loss of recent memory, with a tendency to make up…
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…adequate diet may lead to Wernicke disease, which results from an acute complete deficiency of thiamin (vitamin B₁) and is marked by a clouding of consciousness and abnormal eye movements. It also can lead to Korsakoff syndrome, marked by irreversible loss of recent memory, with a tendency to make up…
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nutritional disease
Thiamin
…with poor diet, manifesting as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a condition with rapid eye movements, loss of muscle coordination, mental confusion, and memory loss.
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…with poor diet, manifesting as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a condition with rapid eye movements, loss of muscle coordination, mental confusion, and memory loss.
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nervous system disease
Brainstem
Wernicke disease is caused by a thiamine (vitamin B₁) deficiency and occurs most often in alcoholics; symptoms include ocular palsies, nystagmus, memory disturbance, and peripheral neuropathy. Eye symptoms may be corrected by the administration of thiamine.
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Wernicke disease is caused by a thiamine (vitamin B₁) deficiency and occurs most often in alcoholics; symptoms include ocular palsies, nystagmus, memory disturbance, and peripheral neuropathy. Eye symptoms may be corrected by the administration of thiamine.
Read More