Mnemonic Series No. 12: Wernicke-korsikoff's Psychosis

So what is this common NLCEX topic is all about? Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome or Psychosis is a multiple nerve damage of the CNS and peripheral nervous sytem due malnutrition which is lack of Thiamine or Vitamin B1 cause by alcoholism. Heavy alcohol interferes with the breakdown of this vitamin so the body could not absorb it even an alcoholic stays in a well balanced diet. Here is the Mnemonic of[...]

Treatment is mostly supportive or control of symptoms.

Wernicke-Korsakoff's Psychosis

Findings

COAT RACK

Wernicke's Encephalopathy (Acute Phase)

C - Confusion

O - Ophthalmoplegia

A - Ataxia

T - Thiamine Tx

Korsakoff's Psychosis (Chronic Phase)

R - Retrograde Amnesia

A - Anterograde Amnesia

C - Confabulation

K - Korsakoff's psychosis