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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. Alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to absorb Vitamin https://ecosoberhouse.com/ B1, so people who binge drink on a regular basis or who consume large amounts of alcohol frequently may develop wet brain. If you get proper medical care when you are in the early stages of wet brain syndrome, the symptoms can be reversed.
- A study on Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome showed that with consistent thiamine treatment there were noticeable improvements in mental status after only 2–3 weeks of therapy.
- If you or your loved one is suffering from memory loss caused by alcohol addiction, it’s vital to seek help immediately.
- With treatment, however, symptoms can be controlled, and the syndrome can likely be stopped.
- Additionally, an early diagnosis of WKS, should it develop, is very important.
- Northpoint Seattle’s outpatient treatment program is located in beautiful Seattle, Washington, and we work to help the surrounding communities.
Additionally, it’s possible for you to have Wernicke’s encephalopathy without having Korsakoff syndrome, and it is possible to experience Korsakoff without symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy. Treatment of wet brain must be immediate, as waiting could cause irreversible damage and be fatal. The treatment functions to control symptoms and prevent progression. Typically, the treatment protocol begins with vitamin B1 injections to boost the body’s thiamine levels and bring restoration to the damaged portions of the brain, if possible. In addition to the vitamin B1 injections, dietary changes make up a significant portion of the treatment plan to further increase proper thiamine levels.
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Instead of eating a balanced diet, many alcoholics drink their calories, depriving their bodies of essential vitamins. In other cases, an alcohol-induced inflammation of the stomach lining reduces the body’s ability to absorb vitamins.
The best way to find out if you have wet brain or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is to see a doctor. Your doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis and help you find treatment for alcohol addiction once your physical health has recovered. Your doctor will order tests to check your thiamine levels when attempting to diagnose wet brain. They might also check for signs of alcohol use disorder which is the leading cause of wet brain. 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.
Who is most at risk of developing wet brain?
While these foods might maintain healthy thiamine levels, they won’t reverse permanent brain damage. It’s essential to get an accurate diagnosis to understand the condition’s development. Some people call this brain disorder “alcohol-related dementia” since brain damage causes difficulties with memory and learning functions. According to a study by Oxford University Press, 10 to 24 percent of brain damage and dementia wet brain from alcoholism cases could be due to alcohol abuse. Additionally, Alzheimer’s Society estimates that WKS affects about 2 percent of the general population. People who abuse alcohol are also more likely to suffer from other health problems such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, heart complications and kidney failure. These conditions can cause Vitamin B-1 deficiency and thereby increase a person’s risk of developing this condition.