The Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is caused by the deficiency of?

DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a severe neurological condition resulting from a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1).
It typically occurs in two stages: acute Wernicke's encephalopathy (confusion, ataxia, ophthalmoplegia) and chronic Korsakoff's psychosis (severe memory impairment, confabulation).
This condition is most commonly seen in individuals with chronic alcoholism, severe malnutrition (e.g., hyperemesis gravidarum), or after bariatric surgery.
Thiamine is a crucial coenzyme for carbohydrate metabolism and energy generation in the brain; its absence leads to neuronal damage, particularly in the thalamus and mammillary bodies.

Option B: Biotin (B7) deficiency does not cause Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Its deficiency leads to a different set of symptoms.
Option C: Riboflavin (B2) deficiency, known as ariboflavinosis, presents with oral, ocular, and skin manifestations, not the specific neurological signs of WKS.
Option D: Folic acid (B9) deficiency is primarily associated with hematological issues and developmental defects, not Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Etiology of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome and Vitamin B Deficiencies helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
In any patient at risk for malnutrition (especially with a history of alcohol use) who presents with confusion or altered mental status, it is critical for the nurse to anticipate and advocate for the administration of IV thiamine BEFORE any glucose-containing fluids.
Giving glucose first can deplete the body's last reserves of thiamine, precipitating or acutely worsening Wernicke's encephalopathy, which is a medical emergency.
Nurses should perform regular neurological assessments, monitor for gait instability, and implement fall precautions for patients with or at risk for WKS.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question: the specific cause of 'Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome'.
Recognize this as a factual recall question that links a named syndrome to a specific nutritional deficiency.
Access your knowledge base regarding neurological disorders and their causes. The connection between chronic alcoholism, malnutrition, and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a classic, high-yield topic.
Recall that this syndrome is pathognomonic for Thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency.
Briefly review the other options to confirm they are associated with different deficiency states (e.g., Folic acid with megaloblastic anemia, Riboflavin with oral lesions), solidifying your choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Etiology of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome and Vitamin B Deficiencies
Stem keywords: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, deficiency
Lead-in keywords: caused by
Negative lead-in flag: false

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