The thiamine will help address problems of confusion or delirium, as well as vision and muscle coordination. Treatment of Wernicke’s encephalopathy begins with increased intake of thiamine. Doctors will help patients identify a more well-rounded diet of vitamin B1. While wet brain isn’t curable, early detection can help treat symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. “Encephalopathy” refers to any disease that affects the structure or function of the brain.

• Wernicke said encephalopathy can be treated with thiamine tablets or injections, IV fluids and nutritional support.
• Numerous enzymes in the brain need thiamine to perform, including many vital neurotransmitters.
• While early intervention during the Wernicke’s encephalopathy stage can prevent the progression to Korsakoff’s psychosis, many individuals do not receive treatment in time.
• Wet brain, caused by thiamine deficiency, can sometimes be partially reversed with early treatment and proper medical care.
• This loss of memory often coexists with confusion and an inability to focus, making it hard for someone to process basic information or hold a coherent conversation.

Wet Brain – Alcoholism and Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

Unexplained and rapid weight loss can be indicative of nutritional imbalances. A decline in appetite is a common symptom, often linked to nutritional deficiencies. Recognising the symptoms of Wet Brain is essential for early intervention. When treated early, mush brain especially during the Wernicke phase, there’s potential for significant improvement. Researchers estimate that Wernicke-Korsakof syndrome is undiagnosed in about 80 percent of patients. WK syndrome is diagnosed by looking at the individual’s history as well as the symptoms present.

Physical Health Risks

While there isn’t a cure, healthcare providers can recommend treatments to manage your symptoms. A proper diagnosis of wet brain can’t be made for a person with alcohol use disorder until they are in recovery. This is because many symptoms of wet brain are similar to withdrawal symptoms from alcohol. Early diagnosis of wet brain is essential for effective treatment of the condition. It is also possible that genetics can play a role in the extent of brain damage from alcoholism.

What Is the Standard Treatment for Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome?

• Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area.
• “Wet Brain” begins with symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy that is severe but may be temporary if treated by a doctor.
• Although Wernicke’s encephalopathy is generally caused by alcoholism, other potential causes include severe malnutrition, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, and severe anorexia.
• People who start problem drinking at young ages, and drink heavily will be at higher risk of developing wet brain than those who drink moderately or don’t develop alcoholism until they are older.
• Wet brain is a severe disorder that needs early diagnosis and adequate treatment.
• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is an unusual type of memory disorder due to a lack of thiamin (vitamin B1) requiring immediate treatment.

Other treatments may be utilized to address the patient’s other acute symptoms. Usually, this condition must be treated in a medical hospital before a person is able to go to rehab. Though treatable, if the condition goes too long without treatment or is misdiagnosed and incorrectly treated, it can permanently affect memory loss. The second stage of wet brain develops when the first stage goes untreated. If this lack of good nutrition continues for too long, serious health problems like wet brain syndrome become a risk. Vitamin B/thiamine deficiency causes damage to the brain, as well as the heart and nervous system.

Denying Our Mental Health: Why We Do It and How To Move Past It

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of evidence-based alcohol addiction treatment and has facilities across the U.S. Treatment for alcohol misuse and abuse may include medical detox, inpatient addiction treatment, and outpatient addiction treatment programs. Many people mistake these symptoms for drunkenness or a mental health issue, but they are actually signs of brain damage. If you or a loved one is showing these signs while Alcoholics Anonymous drinking heavily or recovering from alcohol withdrawal, seek medical help immediately. Alcohol makes it harder for your body to absorb thiamine and store it in your liver. It can also make it difficult for your body to use vitamin B1 for other essential functions.

Progression to Korsakoff’s Psychosis

People with Korsakoff psychosis might also experience confabulation, where they unconsciously fabricate stories to fill in memory gaps. This condition is considered permanent, and while some symptoms can be managed with treatment, full recovery is rare. Approximately 6.2% of Americans aged 18 years old and older meet the clinical criteria for alcohol use disorder. When most people think about drinking-related problems, they picture car accidents, fights, and run-ins with the police. But problem drinking can also lead to a range of severe and sometimes irreversible health problems.

The Experience Blog

Alcohol is a neurotoxin that shrinks the brain (a phenomenon known as “cerebral atrophy”) and slowly destroys the frontal lobe, cerebellum and limbic system. In many ways, end-stage alcohol dementia resembles end-stage Alzheimer’s disease and requires the same level of intensive medical support. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (wet brain syndrome) is a neurological condition that consists of two different syndromes.