Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome: Focus on low-threshold diagnosis and prompt treatment in the primary care setting

Abstract

The authors present the case of an inpatient hospitalized at the Veterans Affairs psychiatric unit diagnosed with Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome to promote awareness of this prevalent yet often underdiagnosed and undertreated condition. Although Veterans present with a unique predisposition for alcohol abuse, it remains problematic in the general population as well. Analysis from 2000 to 2003 reveals alcohol use in the past month in Veterans at 56.6% and 50.8% in comparable non-Veterans. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, it is estimated that of those who are 18 and older, 86.4% have used alcohol, 26.9% have engaged in binge drinking in the past month, 7% engaged in heavy alcohol use in the past month, and 6.2% (15.1 million) carried the diagnosis of alcohol use disorder., The lifetime prevalence of alcohol abuse in the general population is estimated to be between 4.5% and 13.2%. Primary care providers should maintain a high degree of vigilance in evaluating patients for timely diagnosis and prompt treatment of those suspected to have thiamine deficiency. Indeed, Wernicke’s encephalopathy carries a significant level of morbidity and mortality associated with the syndrome, even in cases when it does not present with all of the classic signs. This article aims to raise the primary and ambulatory care provider’s ability to recognize the condition, emphasize a low threshold to treat, and highlight current treatment recommendations.