A prolonged period of chronic alcohol misuse exacerbates the condition, making recovery more challenging. Some of the most common neurological conditions caused by alcohol can include dementia, polyneuropathy, and cerebellar degeneration. Fetal alcohol syndrome is also a condition that occurs due to alcohol exposure before birth. In the early stages of wet brain, Wernicke’s encephalopathy can be reversible with thiamine injections and ending the use of alcohol.
What Is Confabulation in Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome?
A Vitamin B1 injection will help to address symptoms of confusion, delirium, vision problems, and trouble with muscle coordination. Additionally, people suffering from alcoholism are less likely to consume well-rounded, healthy diets, which is how you get enough vitamin B1 into your system. It is an essential vitamin that is not produced naturally by your body, so it must be consumed from outside sources. With 10 years of experience working in and writing about mental health and addiction treatment, societal issues, and history, she ensures the quality and authenticity of written content at RU.
What is “Wet Brain”? Signs & Symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Wet brain, formally known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, is a type of brain damage that can occur after extended and repeated exposure to heavy drinking. The excessive consumption of alcohol can cause a deficiency of thiamine, or vitamin B1, which is an essential vitamin for the proper functioning of the brain and body. Alcoholism interferes with the consumption, absorption, and activation of thiamine in your system. The wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is actually the occurrence of two syndromes.
Korsakoff Psychosis
Wernicke encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome are two separate conditions though they commonly occur together because they are both caused by a thiamine deficiency. Wernicke encephalopathy usually occurs first and causes damage to the thalamus and hypothalamus, which are in the lower part of the brain. It is a neurological disorder caused by chronic alcohol misuse and severe thiamine deficiencies. The body’s inability to absorb thiamine due to poor nutrition or alcohol addiction is the primary culprit. Treatment for wet brain can also slow down the rate at which this disorder progresses, helping individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Signs & Symptoms of Wet Brain
Of these 97 individuals, only 16% had documentation of all three classic symptoms. In the remaining cases, 29% had two signs, 37% had only one sign, and 19% presented none of the classic signs. There are a million different opinions online, but when https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/consequences-of-drinking-and-driving-dui/ it comes to your life, health and wellness only peer reviewed reputable data matters.
- The wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is actually the occurrence of two syndromes.
- Others, especially those with long-standing Korsakoff’s psychosis, might have more persistent deficits.
- Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve lasting recovery from alcohol addiction.
- For those struggling with alcohol addiction, know that help is available.
- Certain exams may be done to check the damage to the nervous or muscular system, as well as exams to check a person’s nutritional levels.
Why Thiamine Deficiency is so Dangerous
This condition, scientifically known as Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, is a devastating neurological disorder that silently creeps up on those who struggle with alcohol addiction. It’s a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of excessive drinking, extending far beyond the immediate effects of a hangover brain fog. It is a preventable but severe condition resulting from thiamine deficiency and excessive alcohol consumption. Understanding the stages of wet brain, recognizing symptoms, and seeking wet brain treatment early are essential for recovery.
- Some researchers believe that Wernicke encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome are two separate disorders that share the same cause and are simply related to one another.
- However, as the condition progresses, the signs become more apparent and alarming.
- It’s a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of excessive drinking, extending far beyond the immediate effects of a hangover brain fog.
- Either Wernicke encephalopathy will transition into the second stage of wet brain and cause permanent brain damage, or it will be treated and resolved without causing damage.
- This is a result of chronic alcohol abuse, but can also be caused by intestinal disorders or poor nutrition.
- Thiamine supplements and a good diet can help individuals who face challenges with alcohol use.
Do Alcoholics Drink Every Day? Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder
It can take several months for patients to experience a full recovery, which must be accompanied by improved nutrition and abstaining from alcohol. Wet brain is a progressive syndrome, so the sooner you can get medical help, the more likely you are to prevent further brain damage. It can be difficult to diagnose wet brain because one of the primary symptoms is confusion.
A doctor may do different exams to rule out any other conditions or what is alcoholism possible causes, however, wet brain is most often linked to alcohol use disorder. Excessive alcohol use and alcohol addiction can affect essentially every aspect of a person’s life. It can affect the brain, heart, liver, and pancreas, and put a person at a higher risk of certain cancers, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Often, when a person doesn’t receive treatment for wet brain, Wernicke’s disease can develop into Korsakoff’s psychosis.
Wernicke Encephalopathy (Early Stage)
Patients with Korsakoff Psychosis will often make up stories to fill memory blanks. They may also come up with made-up memories that convince them they have done or seen things that are simply not true. As soon as you recognize symptoms, you need to get medical attention right away. The lessening of Wernicke Encephalopathy symptoms is not a sure mush brain cause for celebration. Often, the mental symptoms of Wernicke Encephalopathy Syndrome can lessen, only to be replaced by Korsakoff Amnesic Syndrome.