If caught early and treated with high-dose thiamine, WE can often be reversed. WKS describes symptoms of alcoholic brain damage from heavy drinking. Wet brain’s meaning, in simple terms, is the inability to remember information or make decisions, with an overall disturbance in motor functioning. Wet-brain syndrome, or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, is a brain disorder due to vitamin B1 deficiency.
- When someone has severe thiamine deficiency,3 it can cause swelling in the brain and damage brain cells, making brain tissue appear “wet” when examined.
- In some cases, the diagnosis can be confirmed with MRI imaging of the brain, but in most cases, it is not needed.
- Wet brain is a progressive syndrome, so the sooner you can get medical help, the more likely you are to prevent further brain damage.
- The second reason heavy alcohol consumption causes thiamine deficiency is because alcohol prevents the liver from working properly.
- Before AspenRidge, she spent six years in substance-use and mental-health roles.
Early Signs of Wet Brain
Additionally, excessive alcohol use can cause mental health problems and affect a person’s everyday life, responsibilities, and relationships. In this stage, serious memory loss and other damage to the brain can become permanent. Common side effects and symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy include mental confusion, loss what is alcoholism of coordination, auditory hallucinations, apathy, and visual disturbances. If caught early, some of the short-term effects caused by excessive alcohol use that lead to wet brain can be reversed and early detection can also help slow down the progression of this condition.
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If Wernicke’s encephalopathy goes unrecognized or untreated, it can transition into Korsakoff’s psychosis, a chronic and more debilitating stage. Cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and cardiovascular disease are some of the more common damaging effects of chronic alcohol abuse, but wet brain is also one of the lesser-known effects of alcohol addiction. Wet brain in aslcoholics is less common than some of the other side effects of alcohol abuse, but it can still occur. Now, you might be wondering, “Why is this condition so closely tied to alcohol abuse? ” Well, chronic alcoholism is the most common cause of thiamine deficiency in developed countries.
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Foods like oranges, milk, spinach, pork, and soybeans are all rich in thiamine. Chronic alcohol users often have inflamed digestive tracts, making it difficult for the body to absorb the thiamine it needs from the foods they consume. Jill is a Colorado native who received a master’s in clinical psychology with an emphasis on women’s studies from the University of Houston.
Nonetheless, alcoholism is typically the cause of the wet brain because alcohol interferes with the absorption of thiamine as well as the enzyme that activates thiamine in the body. First, there will be a brief time when a person has intense brain inflammation. If this condition isn’t treated quickly, the person may develop a more long-term condition called Korsakoff’s syndrome. It may result from alcohol abuse, dietary deficiencies, prolonged vomiting, eating disorders, or the effects of chemotherapy.
Wet brain, or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, can be partially reversible if caught early. The first stage, Wernicke’s encephalopathy, may improve with immediate thiamine (vitamin B1) treatment, potentially reversing some symptoms. However, if it progresses to Korsakoff psychosis, the damage becomes largely irreversible. While some individuals may experience slight improvements, severe memory loss and cognitive deficits often remain permanent. Early intervention is crucial for the best chance of recovery, emphasizing the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking help promptly to prevent further brain damage.
- About 80% of people with alcohol use disorder have a thiamine deficiency, and up to 2% of the total U.S. adult population has Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
- Though heavy alcohol use is a primary cause of Wet Brain, certain factors can increase vulnerability.
- It’s medically known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, and it can affect basic things like memory, balance, and mental function.
- Mission Harbor is dedicated to treating Santa Barbara County and Los Angeles County with specialized mental and behavioral health programs in a convenient outpatient environment.
“Wet brain” is a term used to describe the chronic brain disorder, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome or Korsakoff’s psychosis. Treatment for wet brain can also slow down the rate at which this disorder progresses, helping individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Receiving addiction treatment can seriously improve the future wellness of those who are at risk of developing wet brain from the effects of alcohol. Understanding wet brain syndrome is crucial, not just for those struggling with alcohol addiction, but for their loved ones and healthcare providers as well. Early recognition and intervention can make a world of difference in the prognosis and quality of life for affected individuals. When thiamine levels drop, the brain’s ability to produce energy decreases, leading to neuronal injury.
When an individual experiences a prolonged thiamine deficiency, they may develop brain damage, known as a wet brain. It is our hope that you can use the information we provide to better understand wet brain including what causes it, how to recognize it and how it is treated. Symptoms often include confusion, problems with eye movement, an unsteady gait, and poor coordination.
- Early detection and proper diagnosis of Wernicke’s encephalopathy can allow for reversing some of the symptoms, which is why it is so important to reach out for help as soon as possible.
- Alcohol-related dementia is diagnosed when alcohol abuse is most likely to be the cause of the symptoms of dementia a person is experiencing.
- If caught early and treated with high-dose thiamine, WE can often be reversed.
- Additionally, she has a master’s in holistic wellness and is trained in EMDR therapy for both in-person and virtual settings.
Why Does Alcohol Give Me A Headache? (Even A Small Amount)
When people regularly misuse alcohol, they often fail to consume a balanced diet, resulting in a lack of thiamine. Studies have shown that chronic drinkers typically have lower thiamine levels in their bodies. Untreated Wernicke’s encephalopathy can spiral into a chronic condition filled with memory loss, amnesia, and even fabricated tales called Korsakoff syndrome.
Seeking Help for Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Depending on the severity of the addiction, an inpatient program can last anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months. Roughly 80 to 90% of alcoholics with Wernicke’s encephalopathy develop Korsakoff’s psychosis. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome affects more men than women, usually between ages 30 and 70 years. Women and people who are younger are more likely to develop the syndrome due to other causes wet brain meaning (aside from alcohol).