WERNICKE ENCEPHALOPATHY

Course overview

Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) is a potentially fatal neuropsychiatric condition caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. WE is characterized by the triad of altered mental status (e.g., confusion), ataxia (i.e., shaky and unsteady postural/body movement), and nystagmus (i.e., rapid, involuntary, oscillatory eyeball motion). This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of Wernicke’s encephalopathy, including its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.