amitdoc2b
Forum Senior
Topics: 42
Posts: 97
|
I see in answer choices there is Wernicke's Encephalopathy, Wenicke-Korsakoff, and Korsakoff only... can someone please clarify the difference between the 3 - I always thought they are all the same! How would i know what to pick on the exam?
|
| giovanni83
Forum Senior
Topics: 24
Posts: 125
|
Wernicke is the deficit in the brain; Korakoff is called it when there 's also a loss of memory....
___________________
my msn messenger address is squadracalcetto@interfree.it ; my email address is giovanni83@email.it ; and my website is http://www.appuntimedicina.it ciao ciao
|
| Dr.Papez
Forum Senior
Topics: 0
Posts: 152
|
Wernicke's encephalopathy and Korsakoff's psychosis represent a continuum of the same pathologic process. The etiology is an absolute deficiency of thiamine rather than a direct toxic effect of alcohol. The triad of Wernicke's encephalopathy--global confusional state, ophthalmoplegia and nystagmus, and ataxia--is occasionally seen in chronic alcoholics and is often attenuated by immediate thiamine treatment. The triad of Korsakoff's psychosis--memory loss, learning deficits and confabulation--may be seen in either the acute or the long-term care setting.
Wernicke's encephalopathy occurs in the acute phase of Thiamine def. KP occurs during the recovery process of this in alcoholic pts. KP interestingly is extremely rare in non alcoholic WE patients- so Thiamine def alone does not seem to be a factor in KP. Alcohol or related toxins alo may be plating a role.
hope that helps.
|
| khorshid
Forum Guru
Topics: 32
Posts: 591
|
also as far as I remeber wernicke is reversible, but korsakof is irreversible.
|
|
| |
| | | | |
