Atypical Wernicke-Korsakoff Encephalopathy Mimicking Stroke
Author Information
Author(s): Butnariu Ioana, Anghel Daniela Nicoleta, Ciobanu Adela Magdalena, Cojocaru Florentina, Antonescu-Ghelmez Dana, Manea Maria Mirabela, Antonescu Florian
Primary Institution: Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
Hypothesis
Can Wernicke-Korsakoff encephalopathy present symptoms that closely mimic a stroke?
Conclusion
Atypical Wernicke-Korsakoff encephalopathy can closely mimic stroke symptoms, leading to potential misdiagnosis.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient initially presented with symptoms resembling a left hemispheric stroke.
- MRI revealed lesions consistent with Wernicke-Korsakoff encephalopathy.
- The patient showed significant improvement after thiamine treatment.
Takeaway
A man with a drinking problem had symptoms that looked like a stroke, but it turned out he had a different illness that can be treated with vitamins.
Methodology
The patient was treated with intravenous thiamine and monitored through MRI and cognitive assessments.
Limitations
The case is based on a single patient, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
A 36-year-old male with a history of chronic alcohol abuse.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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