Neurology · UKMLA & AKT
Wernicke's encephalopathy
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise wernicke's encephalopathy — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
Key high-yield points
- Acute, potentially reversible neuropsychiatric emergency caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency
- Classically associated with chronic alcohol misuse - but any cause of severe nutritional deficiency can trigger it (post-bariatric surgery, hyperemesis gravidarum, prolonged vomiting/malnutrition)
- Thiamine is an essential cofactor for aerobic carbohydrate metabolism - deficiency causes intracellular energy failure and selective neuronal injury
Giving IV glucose to a thiamine-depleted patient accelerates thiamine consumption and can precipitate or worsen Wernicke's. Always give thiamine before or simultaneously with glucose in any at-risk patient.
Unlock the full Wernicke's encephalopathy revision
Get the complete high-yield notes (4 more sections covering investigations, management and complications), 10 practice questions, mock exams and AI tutoring. Start free.