Karsakoff Syndrome, or Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, is a neurological disorder that is characterized by individuals' amnesia, disorientation and eye problems.
The main causes of Karsakoff Syndrome are the lack of vitamin B1 and alcoholism, since alcohol impairs the absorption of vitamin B in the body. Head injuries, carbon monoxide inhalation and viral infections can also cause this syndrome.
Karsakoff syndrome is curable, however, if there is no interruption of alcoholism, this disease can become fatal.
Symptoms of Karsakoff Syndrome
The main symptoms of Karsakoff syndrome are partial or total loss of memory, paralysis of the eye muscles and uncontrolled muscle movements. Other symptoms may be:
- Fast and uncontrollable eye movements; Double vision; Hemorrhage in the eye; Strabismus; Walking slow and uncoordinated; Mental confusion; Hallucinations; Apathy; Difficulty in communicating.
The diagnosis of Korsakoff 's Syndrome is made through the analysis of the symptoms presented by the patient, blood tests, urine test, examination of the encephalorrachic fluid and magnetic resonance.
Treatment of Korsakoff Syndrome
The treatment of Korsakoff's Syndrome, in acute crises, consists of the ingestion of thiamine or vitamin B1, in the dose of 50-100 mg, by injection into the veins, in the hospital. When this is done, symptoms of paralysis of the eye muscles, mental confusion and uncoordinated movements are usually reversed, as well as amnesia is prevented. It is important, in the months following the crisis, that the patient continues to take vitamin B1 supplements orally.
In some cases, supplementation with other substances, such as magnesium and potassium, may be necessary, especially in alcoholic individuals.
