special subjects
Wernicke Encephalopathy
Introduction
Wernicke encephalopathy is a brain disorder that causes confusion, eye problems, and loss of balance and results from Thiamin Deficiency . Wernicke encephalopathy is caused by a Thiamin Deficiency , a B vitamin. In people who have only a small amount of thiamin stored in the body, it may be triggered by consuming carbohydrates. Wernicke encephalopathy often develops in people with severe Alcohol Use because the long-term use of excess amounts of alcohol interferes with the absorption of thiamin from the digestive tract as well as the storage of thiamin in the liver. Also, people with alcohol use disorder often do not consume an adequate diet and thus not enough thiamin. Wernicke encephalopathy may result from other conditions that cause prolonged undernutrition or vitamin deficiencies. These conditions include dialysis, severe vomiting, starvation, gastric bypass surgery, cancer, and AIDS. 