Wernicke's Encephalopathy: A Diagnosis to Consider Early in Patients with Learning Difficulties

Abstract

We report a fatal case of Wernicke's encephalopathy occurring in a patient with learning difficulties. Wernicke's encephalopathy is a condition most commonly associated with alcohol abuse, with a prevalence of 12.5% in patients with a history of alcohol abuse or dependence.1 The diagnosis is rarely considered in non-alcoholic patients. Here, we highlight that severe malnutrition following food refusal and a consequent thiamine deficiency can cause a fatal Wernicke's encephalopathy, where assessment of behavioural changes in our patient was complicated by the presence of her pre-existing learning difficulties. Early consideration of the possibility of Wernicke's encephalopathy permits prompt treatment with vitamin replacement therapy, which is usually well tolerated. This case highlights the need to consider the possibility of thiamine deficiency in any patient where malnutrition has occurred for whatever reason. Furthermore, Wernicke's encephalopathy should be considered in all patients with a reduced level of consciousness where no clear cause can be determined. Anaesthetists and intensivists should retain a high index of suspicion for the existence of thiamine deficiency when approaching patients with complicated medical histories that put them at risk of malnutrition.