Wernicke's Encephalopathy Caused by Misdiagnosis and Mistreated Alcoholic Withdrawl Syndrome ( A Case Report and Literature Review)
JIN Da-chuan
Abstract：Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and differential diagnosis of alcoholic withdrawl syn-drome and Wernicke's encephalopathy in order to reduce misdiagnosis rate. Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical data of 1 case of alcoholic withdrawl syndrome misdiagnosed as hepatic encephalopathy was made and the literature was reviewed. Results The patient was admitted for chief complain of convulsion and unconsciousness for 2 hours and had been diagnosed as alcoholic liver cirrhosis 2 years before admission to our hospital. After being admitted, the patient was diagnosed as having he-patic encephalopathy and treated with potassium magnesium aspirate, branched chain amino acid, etc. However, the patient de-veloped confusion, ophthalmalgia and convulsion at the first night. Then, MRI scanning showed typical findings of Wernicke's encephalopathy. Alcoholic withdrawal syndrome and Wernicke's encephalopathy were diagnosed. High doses of thiamine were given intravenously for 2 weeks. The patient recovered and was discharged. Conclusion Physicians should be aware of the possibility of alcoholic withdrawal syndrome and Wernicke's encephalopathy for all alcoholics, including patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. For all patients with suspected alcoholic withdrawal syndrome, thiamine supplementation should be given before ad-ministering glucose to avoid aggravation.
Keywords：AlcoholicSubstance withdrawal syndromeWernicke ' s encephalopathyMisdiagnosisHepatic encephalopathy
Publication Date：2015-01-01
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：4( 33-36 )