What is the recommended treatment for Wernicke's encephalopathy?

What is the recommended treatment for Wernicke's encephalopathy?

• A. Abstain from alcohol and administer thiamine
• B. Antibiotics and antipsychotics
• C. Immediate surgery
• D. Watchful waiting without therapy

Answer: (A)

Wernicke's encephalopathy is caused by thiamine deficiency, often seen in people with chronic alcohol use. The essential treatment is to give thiamine in high doses and ensure the person abstains from alcohol. Prompt thiamine replacement can reverse many symptoms and prevent progression to Korsakoff syndrome, and it should be started even before other tests confirm the diagnosis. Giving glucose without thiamine can worsen brain injury in a thiamine-deficient patient, so thiamine is given first. The other options don’t address the underlying deficiency or the acute needs of this condition, and waiting or opting for unrelated treatments could allow irreversible damage.

Wernicke's encephalopathy is caused by thiamine deficiency, often seen in people with chronic alcohol use. The essential treatment is to give thiamine in high doses and ensure the person abstains from alcohol. Prompt thiamine replacement can reverse many symptoms and prevent progression to Korsakoff syndrome, and it should be started even before other tests confirm the diagnosis. Giving glucose without thiamine can worsen brain injury in a thiamine-deficient patient, so thiamine is given first. The other options don’t address the underlying deficiency or the acute needs of this condition, and waiting or opting for unrelated treatments could allow irreversible damage.