Clinical Case Database / Category: Case Based Discussion
Management of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
Publication details
Dean Chatterjee MB BS, Dr Jim Bolton MB BS, BSc(Hons), FRCPsych
Foundation Years Journal, volume 2, issue 6, p.278 (123Doc Education, London, July 2008)
Abstract
A 48-year-old lady was brought to the accident and emergency department in an agitated and confused state. Friends confirmed that she had a regular high alcohol intake. A diagnosis of delirium tremens was made. She was admitted to a medical ward and was started on an alcohol detoxification regimen. Her physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal settled, but it was apparent that she had difficulty walking, with a broad-based and unsteady gait. Although this improved, she also had ongoing memory difficulties. She could not fit nd her way around the ward and had difficulty recalling events since her admission. A CT head scan showed cerebral atrophy and an MRI scan showed no additional pathology.
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Authors
Dean Chatterjee MB BS
St Helier Hospital
Wrythe Lane
Carshalton
Surrey SM5 1AA
Dr Jim Bolton MB BS, BSc(Hons), FRCPsych (Corresponding author)
Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist & Honorary Senior Lecturer
St Helier Hospital
Wrythe Lane
Carshalton
Surrey SM5 1AA
jim.bolton@swlstg-tr.nhs.uk
References
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The Foundation Years Clinical Cases Database is a selection of 600 peer-reviewed clinical cases in the field of patient safety and clinical practice, specifically focused on the clinical information needs of junior doctors, based around the Foundation Year Curriculum programme (MMC). The cases have been chosen to align with the Foundation Year Curriculum.
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