Wernicke’s encephalopathy is an underrecognised and undertreated acute neurological condition.

Caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, it may result in confusion, ocular signs and ataxia. In up to 85% of untreated cases, it leads to Korsakoff syndrome, typified by severe memory loss and confabulation.¹

Pathological changes related to Wernicke’s encephalopathy are identified post-mortem in 1.3-2.8% of the general population and in 9.3% of those with alcohol abuse.^2,3

In most cases the clinical diagnosis is missed ante-mortem.^2,3 The lack of recognition and treatment of the condition has the potential to result in significant increased mortality and disability.