Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find
the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.
Disorder Subdivisions
- Psychosis Polyneurotica
- Wernicke Disease
- Wernicke Syndrome
- Korsakoff Psychosis
- Korsakoff Amnesic Syndrome
- Korsakoff Syndrome
- Wernicke Encephalopathy
General Discussion
Wernicke syndrome and Korsakoff syndrome are related disorders that often occur due to a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1). Wernicke's syndrome, also known as Wernicke encephalopathy, is a neurological disease characterized by the clinical triad of confusion, the inability to coordinate voluntary movement (ataxia), and eye (ocular) abnormalities. Korsakoff's syndrome is a mental disorder characterized by disproportionate memory loss in relation to other mental aspects. When these two disorders occur together, the term Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is used. In the United States, most cases occur in alcoholics.
Some researchers believe Wernicke and Korsakoff syndromes are separate yet related disorders; others believe them to be different stages of the same disorder or disease spectrum. Wernicke syndrome is considered the acute phase with a shorter duration and more serious symptoms. Korsakoff syndrome is considered the chronic phase and is a long-lasting condition.
Resources
National Mental Health Association
2001 North Beauregard Street
12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
USA
Tel: 7036847722
Fax: 7036845968
Tel: 8009696642
TDD: 8004335959
Email: infoctr@nmha.org
Internet: http://www.nmha.org
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
11426 Rockville Pike
Suite 200
Rockville, MD 20852-3007
Tel: (301)468-2600
Fax: (301)468-6433
Tel: (800)729-6686
TDD: (800)487-4889
Email: info@health.org
Internet: http://www.health.org
NIH/National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
Tel: (301)654-3810
Fax: (301)907-8906
Tel: (800)891-5389
Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.niddk.nih.gov
NIH/Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
6000 Executive Blvd Ste 400
Bethesda, MD 20892-7003
Tel: (301)443-3860
Fax: (301)443-7043
NIH/National Institute of Mental Health
6001 Executive Blvd
Rm 8184, MSC 9663
Rockville, MD 20892-9663
Tel: (301)443-4513
Email: nimhinfo@nih.gov
Internet: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
For a Complete Report
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. �(r) (NORD). A copy of
the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains
additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and
investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of
this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for
informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of
their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms
listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic.
Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database
completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the
most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization
for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site
www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: 5/5/2008
Copyright 1986, 1992, 1998, 2005
National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
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