J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2001 Mar;42(3):538-541.

Wernicke's Syndrome Induced by Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Wonju Christian Hospital, Yonsei University, Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea.

Abstract

PURPOSE: Wernicke's syndrome, which is characterized by nystagmus, abducent and conjugate gaze palsies, ataxia, mental confusion, and amnesia, is caused by a deficiency in levels of thiamine and is observed mainly in persons who abuse alcohol. Recognized predisposing conditions other than alcoholism include chronic dietary deprivation(imbalanced diet, prolonged intravenous feeding.) and impaired absorption or intake of dietary nutrients.
METHODS
We have experienced a 31-year-old female presented 15 weeks into pregnancy who complained of icteric skin color, diplopia, and gait disturbance after prolonged vomiting for 2 months. Neurologic examination demonstrated obtunded sensations, nystagmus and ataxia of gait. EEG showed a mild degree of slowly diffuse activity. The neurological signs pointed to a diagnosis of Wernicke's encephalopathy.
RESULTS
We report a case of Wernicke's syndrome induced by hyperemesis gravidarum with the review of literature.

Keyword

Hyperemesis gravidarum; Thiamine deficiency; Wernicke' syndrome

MeSH Terms

Absorption
Adult
Alcoholism
Amnesia
Ataxia
Diagnosis
Diet
Diplopia
Electroencephalography
Female
Gait
Gait Ataxia
Humans
Hyperemesis Gravidarum*
Neurologic Examination
Paralysis
Pregnancy
Sensation
Skin
Thiamine
Thiamine Deficiency
Vomiting
Wernicke Encephalopathy*
Thiamine
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