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. 1997 Jan;73(855):27–31. doi: 10.1136/pgmj.73.855.27

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

C Zubaran 1, J G Fernandes 1, R Rodnight 1
PMCID: PMC2431190  PMID: 9039406

Abstract

Alcohol abuse is one of the most serious problems in public health and the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is one of the gravest consequences of alcoholism. The pathology is often undiagnosed in its less evident presentations, therefore an accurate diagnostic approach is a critical step in treatment planning. Treatment is based on restoration of thiamine, although this is insufficient to prevent the psychological decline of a great number of patients. The cognitive impact of the pathology is derived from the interaction of alcoholic neurotoxicity, thiamine deficiency and personal susceptibility. In this article, the literature concerning Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is reviewed.

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Selected References

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