Blood testing can provide key insights into a person’s thiamine levels and other general nutrition. Decreased red blood cell activity could be an indicator of thiamine deficiency. Heart rate, eye movements, body temperature, and even a person’s walk could all signal a doctor to a possible thiamine deficiency. For example, a person in the Korsakoff’s psychosis stage of wet brain may begin to notice tachycardia or a more rapid heartbeat. They may also notice problems in their central nervous system and extremities, like hands and feet.
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- Wet brain, or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, is a brain disorder that is caused by a severe deficiency in vitamin B1.
- If Wet Brain is left untreated, the alcohol will continue to damage the brain.
- This “mush”-like feeling, he explained, is “a result of some not-so-good habits.” “Maybe drinking a little too much, being in the bar and restaurant industry, and not reading as much as I used to,” he added.
- The excessive consumption of alcohol can cause a deficiency of thiamine, or vitamin B1, which is an essential vitamin for the proper functioning of the brain and body.
- In most cases, symptoms of Korsakoff syndrome are preceded by symptoms of Wernicke encephalopathy.
- According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome occurs in about 1 to 2 percent of the general population in the United States.
An addiction treatment program can help mush brain you access the tools and resources you need, ranging from detox programs to mental health services, that will help you overcome your addiction. Unfortunately, because the effects of alcohol on the brain are so rarely talked about, many people don’t realize how important it is to seek treatment for Wet Brain when symptoms first start to appear. Addiction helplines like those operated by American Addiction Centers can also help people locate rehabs and answer questions about WKS, alcohol addiction, or the treatment process. Please call to speak to an admissions navigator about your rehab options and easily verify your insurance. If you struggle with chronic alcoholism, know that you aren’t alone, and it’s not too late to make a change.We offer a combination of both scientifically proven and evidence-based holistic treatment methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Wet Brain
Inpatient rehab is an intensive, residential treatment program that provides patients with 24/7 care and support in a safe and structured environment. We also offer medical detoxification for alcoholism, a critical component of treatment for alcoholism, as the withdrawal symptoms can be severe and potentially life-threatening. Our medical team closely monitors patients during detox and provides medication and other interventions as needed to ensure their comfort and safety. Wet brain syndrome is relatively rare in the general population, especially in developed countries such as the United States, where malnutrition is not a chronic or widespread issue. The disease arises mostly in alcoholics who have been drinking excessively for a prolonged period of time.
Coping With Wet Brain
Treatment of Wernicke’s encephalopathy begins with increased intake of thiamine. Doctors will help patients identify a more https://ecosoberhouse.com/ well-rounded diet of vitamin B1. As we mentioned, 80-90% of patients who do not seek treatment for these symptoms end up developing Karsakoff’s psychosis.
- People who exhibit signs of wet brain need to seek treatment for alcoholism and achieve and maintain sobriety to prevent and minimize the occurrence of permanent brain damage.
- These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for early-onset dementia in younger people.
- Our facility offers comprehensive treatment programs for each client’s unique needs.
- This is crucial because WKS is caused by a thiamine deficiency, often due to long-term alcohol use.
Wet Brain Syndrome: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment
In the early stages of wet brain, Wernicke’s encephalopathy can be reversible with thiamine injections and ending the use of alcohol. Individuals who chronically abuse alcohol are at a higher risk of developing wet brain. A doctor may do different exams to rule out any other conditions or possible causes, however, wet brain is most often linked to alcohol use disorder. If a person is in the end stages of alcoholism, the what is alcoholism life expectancy of a person with wet brain can be as little as six months. Excessive alcohol use and alcohol addiction can affect essentially every aspect of a person’s life.