This alcoholic syndrome, described by Wernicke in 1881, is characterized by confusion, excitement and delirium.
In Wernicke’s Encephalopathy, after a period of some days, the patient (chronic alcoholic) develops diplopia ( double vision ), somnolence, clouding of consciouness, ataxia and stupor .
Because this encephalopathy is due to avitaminosis (lack of B vitamine), an intensive treatment with Thiamine and Niacine may save the patient’s life.
(Edited by María Moya Guirao, MD)