ICJEM
Intercontinental Journal of Emergency Medicine

The Intercontinental Journal of Emergency Medicine aims to publish issues related to all fields of emergency medicine and all specialties involved in the management of emergencies in the hospital and prehospital environment of the highest scientific and clinical value at an international level and accepts articles on these topics.

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Case Report
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome in the emergency department: a case report
Abstract
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is a severe, potentially irreversible neuropsychiatric illness frequently linked with alcohol use disorder and thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. The acute phase, Wernicke encephalopathy (WE), presents with confusion, ataxia, and oculomotor dysfunction. The triad of symptoms may not always be present, however, and diagnosis is therefore troublesome. In this case, a chronically alcoholic and malnourished patient came with a change in mental status, which led to the diagnosis of WE and was initiated on high-dose thiamine treatment. Prompt treatment led to quick clinical recovery. Diagnosis of WE in the emergency department and prompt treatment as a component of multidisciplinary care is paramount to avoid long-term neurological impairment.

Keywords : Confusion, disorientation, emergency department, thiamine, Wernicke encephalopathy

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Article available in :
Volume 3, Issue 3, 2025
Page : 62-64
https://doi.org/10.51271/ICJEM-0061
Article Information
Received : 16 Haz 2025
Accepted : 07 Eyl 2025
Published : 23 Eyl 2025
Corresponding Author :

Seval Akben: Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Göksun Vocational School, Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, Kahramanmaraş, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Akben S, Gedik MS, Mangır L. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome in the emergency department: a case report. Intercont J Emerg Med. 2025;3(3):62-64.

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