There are many negatives to alcoholism, and wet brain is just one of many examples. Impaired decision making, liver failure, and general dietary issues are common symptoms of alcoholism in this country. Alcohol is simply seen as a leading cause of wet brain because it is the most common inhibitor of thiamine. Dietary issues or bulimia are relatively rare when compared to alcoholism, and would need to be very severe to lead to wet brain. The significantly more serious second stage of wet brain is when the true problems begin to take hold. If a patient does not receive immediate treatment during the first stage of wet brain or continues to drink after recovery, Korsakoff’s Psychosis will surely set in much worse consequences.

Wet Brain Symptoms And Signs To Watch Out

The treatment process will likely include thiamine therapy (where thiamine is given intravenously), nutrition plans, therapy, group support, and more. Those who are undergoing wet brain treatment should remain abstinent from alcohol to ensure that the symptoms of the disorder will not get worse. First, neurological symptoms, such as vision problems and problems with muscle coordination, usually present themselves.

Treatment Plan

However, current statistics show that more men than women have wet brain, and the age groups most affected by the disorder are between the ages of 30 and 70. Wernicke’s encephalopathy is the initial stage and is defined by the development of neurological symptoms due to the brain mush brain suffering from lesions formed from a lack of adequate thiamine (vitamin B1). Thiamine is essential for brain function, and its deficiency can lead to a range of issues. Mostly, these neurological symptoms are related to memory problems, confusion, and loss of muscle coordination.

• For example, a person in the Korsakoff’s psychosis stage of wet brain may begin to notice tachycardia or a more rapid heartbeat.
• The long-term effects of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome range from difficulties in personal interactions and injuries due to loss of coordination to coma or even death.
• Wet brain is a progressive syndrome, so the sooner you can get medical help, the more likely you are to prevent further brain damage.
• This is one reason why the early signs of this disorder should not be ignored.
• “Encephalopathy” refers to any disease that affects the structure or function of the brain.
• It depends on how severe the symptoms are, and at what point in the progression of this disease the person begins treatment, as well as the types of treatment they receive.

Korsakoff Psychosis Symptoms

A brain MRI to show if there has been any damage to tissues in your brain might be recommended. Symptoms of this stage of wet brain include impaired memory and learning abilities. Early treatment in this stage, typically with thiamine supplements, can alleviate symptoms and prevent the condition from degenerating into Korsakoff’s psychosis. Although Wernicke’s encephalopathy is generally caused by alcoholism, other potential causes include severe malnutrition, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, and severe anorexia. People who regularly abuse alcohol for long periods of time are more likely than others to get wet brain, although it can also be caused by intense periods of vomiting or poor nutrition.

Alcoholism can feel like an impossible battle to defeat, however, an alcohol rehab center can provide you with the tools and support you need to regain control. Sahil enjoys taking time and listening to better understand what his patients are experiencing. He believes that empathy, respect and trust are integral traits that all providers must possess.

• However, once the condition progresses to Korsakoff psychosis, the prospects for complete recovery diminish significantly.
• The longer someone lives with the symptoms of wet brain syndrome, the less chance there is of reversing the condition.
• Thiamine infusions will soothe symptoms of confusion, delirium, vision issues, and muscle coordination problems.

We offer individualized, extended-term treatment in an intimate setting.

For this reason, it’s important to treat wet brain as early and as aggressively as possible to prevent permanent damage. Korsakoff syndrome is a chronic condition that usually develops after an episode of Wernicke’s encephalopathy. In fact, left untreated, an alarming 85 percent of Wernicke’s survivors develop Korsakoff’s syndrome.

Stage 1: Wernicke’s Encephalopathy

Korsakoff Amnesic Syndrome