Korsakoff's syndrome
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Contents |
Overview
Korsakoff's syndrome is a degenerative neurological condition caused by a thiamine (B1) deficiency, which is itself often caused by alcoholism and other forms of malnutrition.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Korsakoff's syndrome include:
- amnesia (retrograde, anterograde, or both), due to the degeneration of the hippocampus
- lack of general interest
- confabulation (details and memories created by a person and taken as true by him/her)
- tremors and/or ataxia (lack of muscle coordination)
Treatment and Prognosis
While the most severe stages of the condition lead to coma and death, if caught early enough, recovering can be made through the use of intravenous thiamine supplements, and by improving general health and nutrition. The brain damage that occurs during the disease, however, is irreversible.
Sources
Wikipedia
