Abstract
Wernicke encephalopathy consists of a triad of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and altered mental status. It is caused by thiamine deficiency and although it is commonly seen in alcoholics, patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery for morbid obesity could be a new group of patients to watch for. Florid papilloedema and optic neuropathy are not commonly seen but are still consistent with the diagnosis of Wernicke encephalopathy. The most striking feature remains the dramatic recovery after replacement of thiamine.
Publication types
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Case Reports
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Female
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Gastric Bypass / adverse effects*
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Humans
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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Obesity, Morbid / surgery*
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Papilledema / diagnosis
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Papilledema / drug therapy
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Papilledema / etiology
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Retinal Hemorrhage / diagnosis
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Retinal Hemorrhage / drug therapy
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Retinal Hemorrhage / etiology
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Thiamine / therapeutic use
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Vision Disorders / diagnosis
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Vision Disorders / drug therapy
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Vision Disorders / etiology
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Visual Field Tests
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Visual Fields
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Wernicke Encephalopathy / diagnosis
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Wernicke Encephalopathy / drug therapy
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Wernicke Encephalopathy / etiology*