Author: Alex Thompson

Wet Brain Syndrome: Symptoms, Stages, & Essential Facts

Thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1, is important because is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and the normal function of the nervous system. It’s also a cofactor for the production of key enzymes that enable our brain to function properly. By Esther Heerema, MSWEsther Heerema, MSW, shares practical tips gained from working with hundreds of people whose lives are touched by Alzheimer’s disease and other kinds of dementia. By clicking “Submit,” you certify that you have provided your legal name and phone number, agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy, and authorize Addictionresource to contact you. You consent to receive SMS notifications and promotions from Addictionresource. The combined diagnosis of these two stages is called Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS).

Refer a Patient

If you are struggling with a drinking problem, talk to your doctor about treatment options that can help you achieve sobriety. Wet brain, also known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), results from brain damage due to severe thiamine or vitamin B1 deficiency. This condition usually progresses in two stages if left untreated – the first stage is Wernicke encephalopathy, and the second stage is Korsakoff syndrome, AKA Korsakoff psychosis. Read along further to find details about wet brain syndrome, its causes, WKS signs and symptoms, and the treatment and prognosis of wet brain syndrome.

Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as irregular eating or eating low-nutrient foods, as is common for people in active alcoholism, can exacerbate the thiamine deficiency caused by consuming too much alcohol. For heavy drinkers, these seemingly innocent memory lapses can evolve to slurred speech, an unsteady walk, violent muscle twitches or hallucinations, signaling alcohol-induced brain damage. If left untreated, the damage can progress to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Early treatment in this stage, typically with thiamine supplements, can alleviate symptoms and prevent the condition from degenerating into Korsakoff’s psychosis. Although Wernicke’s encephalopathy is generally caused by alcoholism, other potential causes include severe malnutrition, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, and severe anorexia.

This is because many symptoms of wet brain are similar to withdrawal symptoms from alcohol. Early diagnosis of wet brain is essential for effective treatment of the condition. The condition is also referred to as alcoholic dementia because of its ability to cause severe memory loss and induce hallucinations and behavioral changes, which are all hallmarks of dementia.

What’s the prognosis for someone with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?

Within 7 days, endothelial cells malfunction, leading to neuron death and increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier (high-risk factors for stroke). After 14 days, the brain damage is mostly irreversible and fatal. This is a result of chronic alcohol abuse, but can also be caused by intestinal disorders or poor nutrition. Thiamine deficiency is common among alcoholics because of their poor eating habits.

How Does Drinking Cause Wet Brain Syndrome?

1. This causes severe memory loss and the inability to form new memories, leading to Korsakoff syndrome.
2. In many ways, a person struggling with alcohol addiction and showing symptoms of second-phase wet brain acts much like someone with Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Alcoholism causes thiamine deficiencies over a prolonged period of time because alcohol reduces the body’s ability to absorb thiamine through the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Diagnostic tests include cognitive assessments, blood tests, and neurological screenings.
5. Read along further to find details about wet brain syndrome, its causes, WKS signs and symptoms, and the treatment and prognosis of wet brain syndrome.

In addition to these symptoms, patients with Korsakoff Psychosis often experience severe amnesia, dementia, and mood instability. Ongoing treatment for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome includes abstinence from alcohol, adequate nutrition, and vitamin supplementation. Some cases of Wernicke encephalopathy may also be brought on by extreme dieting which prevents the body from receiving the nutrients it needs to maintain healthy functioning. Korsakoff syndrome is usually a chronic condition that typically, but not always, follows an episode of Wernicke encephalopathy. Wernicke encephalopathy symptoms are often categorized as a triad of ocular (eye), cerebellar (balance and body control), and confusion symptoms.

Our treatment programs provide comprehensive care starting with medical detox through treatment, with qualified staff available to assist you. AAC is so confident in their ability to help people stay sober that they offer a 90-day promise. If you relapse after having completed 90 days of consecutive treatment at an AAC facility, you can return for another 30 days of treatment at no additional cost. While anyone can develop the disorder, people who consume alcohol are more likely to develop the condition. Korsakoff Psychosis happens after a person has been through Wernicke’s Encephalopathy. In addition to clinical observations, doctors will run lab tests for thiamine deficiency and may order an MRI to look for noticeable changes in the brain.

You deserve excellent care and a rewarding life in recovery.

It’s often caused by alcohol abuse but may be caused by other chronic conditions as well. In many ways, a person struggling with alcohol addiction and showing symptoms of second-phase wet brain acts much like someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Based on statistics from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 90 percent of alcoholics suffering from stage 1 symptoms go on to develop stage 2, with some overlap between the stages and symptoms.

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is committed to delivering original, truthful, accurate, unbiased, and medically current information. We strive to create content that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. It’s essential to continue eating foods that are rich in thiamine even after you discontinue thiamine supplements. Foods like oranges, milk, spinach, pork, and soybeans are all rich in thiamine.

Is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome the same as Wet Brain?

Your healthcare provider may recommend blood tests to check blood sugar and thiamine levels. Healthcare providers often check for signs of alcohol use disorder with a blood alcohol test and liver function test. The main cause of Vitamin B1 deficiency is severe and long-term alcohol addiction. As time progresses, it affects how alcohol is absorbed, stored, and used in the body, which can cause wet brain syndrome. However, certain other causes of this disorder occur when a person does not get enough nutrients from their diet or because of other health conditions.

Korsakoff Psychosis Symptoms

The nervous system needs these enzymes to function, which is why thiamine deficiency from alcohol causes life-threatening neurological problems. Alcohol inhibits the absorption of thiamine and reduces its usage in the body. It also causes the body to excrete more thiamine through urine than normal. Finally, chronic drinking causes an increased need for thiamine due to alcohol-related neuropathy (nerve damage). Any improvement in functioning usually occurs within the first two years after the symptoms began. Life expectancy may remain normal if the person does not drink alcohol.