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Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndromeis not the name you expected.
Synonyms
- Gayet-Wernicke Syndrome
Disorder Subdivisions
- Psychosis Polyneurotica
- Wernicke Disease
- Wernicke Syndrome
- Korsakoff Psychosis
- Korsakoff Amnesic Syndrome
- Korsakoff Syndrome
- Wernicke Encephalopathy
General Discussion
Wernicke syndrome and Korsakoff syndrome are related disorders that often occur due to a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1). Wernicke’s syndrome, also known as Wernicke encephalopathy, is a neurological disease characterized by the clinical triad of confusion, the inability to coordinate voluntary movement (ataxia), and eye (ocular) abnormalities. Korsakoff’s syndrome is a mental disorder characterized by disproportionate memory loss in relation to other mental aspects. When these two disorders occur together, the term Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is used. In the United States, most cases occur in alcoholics.
Some researchers believe Wernicke and Korsakoff syndromes are separate yet related disorders; others believe them to be different stages of the same disorder or disease spectrum. Wernicke syndrome is considered the acute phase with a shorter duration and more serious symptoms. Korsakoff syndrome is considered the chronic phase and is a long-lasting condition.
Resources
National Mental Health Association
2001 North Beauregard Street
12th Floor
Alexandria
VA
22311
USA
Tel: (703)684-7722
Fax: (703)684-5968
800: (800)969-6642
TDD: (800)433-5959
infoctr@nmha.org
http://www.nmha.org
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
11426 Rockville Pike
Suite 200
Rockville
MD
20852-3007
Tel: (301)468-2600
Fax: (301)468-6433
800: (800)729-6686
TDD: (800)487-4889
info@health.org
http://www.health.org
NIH/National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda
MD
20892-3570
Tel: (301)654-3810
Fax: (301)907-8906
800: (800)891-5389
nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
http://www.niddk.nih.gov
NIH/Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
6000 Executive Blvd Ste 400
Bethesda
MD
20892-7003
Tel: (301)443-3860
Fax: (301)443-7043NIH/National Institute of Mental Health
6001 Executive Blvd
Rm 8184, MSC 9663
Rockville
MD
20892-9663
Tel: (301)443-4513
nimhinfo@nih.gov
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
For a Complete Report:
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: 5/5/2008
Copyright 1986, 1992, 1998, 2005 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders
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