Consider the following statements regarding Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome : 1. It is a rare complication of chronic alcohol misuse characterised by opthalmoplegia, ataxia and delirium. 2. There is damage to the mammillary bodies and dorsomedial nuclei of thalamus. 3. The underlying cause is deficiency of Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin). 4. The syndrome can also arise due to malabsorption or protracted vomiting. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome Explained
Statement Analysis
- Statement 1: True. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is often linked to chronic alcohol misuse. Key initial symptoms (Wernicke encephalopathy phase) include opthalmoplegia (eye muscle paralysis), ataxia (coordination issues), and delirium or confusion.
- Statement 2: True. Characteristic brain damage in WKS occurs in specific areas, notably the mammillary bodies and the dorsomedial nuclei of the thalamus.
- Statement 3: False. The primary cause of WKS is a severe deficiency of thiamine (Vitamin B1), not Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin). Vitamin B12 deficiency causes different neurological problems.
- Statement 4: True. While common in alcoholism, WKS can also result from conditions leading to thiamine malabsorption (like gastrointestinal surgery or disorders) or severe, persistent vomiting, which deplete thiamine reserves.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect. Therefore, the correct option is the one that includes 1, 2, and 4.
Important Questions from Vitamin B Complex Deficiency
A 35 year old man with history of alcoholism presents with ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and global confusion. The treatment of choice for this patient is:
- The classical features of Wernicke's encephalopathy are the following except:
- Vitamin B$_{12}$ deficiency can cause the following except:
- Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
- Who among the following do not participate in the election of the President of India?
