Wet Brain Syndrome: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

That is, it’s a chemical compound that empowers enzymes to trigger biochemical reactions. In the human digestive system, thiamine helps enzymes run through the biochemical process that turns carbohydrates into energy. All content available on or through Detox to Rehab is for general information purposes only. Site information is not to be replaced with or considered professional medical advice. The severity of the symptoms helps determine whether the disease can be reversed or not. Alcohol addiction is extremely difficult to overcome on your own..

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism, there is help available. There are many different types of treatment available, and the best course of action will depend mush brain on the individual. Once the body’s supply of thiamine is replenished, you must abstain from alcohol use. It is also important to follow up with regular thiamine supplements.

Cognitive Symptoms of Wet Brain

Everyone’s experience with addiction is different, and a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment is not the answer. At Synergy Recovery, we treat you as an individual with unique needs. Our treatment approach uses a combination of medication and counseling.

• There are two forms of wet brain syndrome called Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff psychosis.
• Every cell in the body needs vitamin B1 (thiamine) in order to function.
• But, if left untreated, Wernicke encephalopathy can progress to the second stage.
• This damage can be reversed if caught early, but if allowed to progress can lead to permanent damage.
• In a quality alcohol rehab, family therapy will be provided for family and friends to offer support and education about the recovery process.
• And the true number of people who suffer from this disorder may be even higher, as some never seek treatment for it.

One reason for the link between alcohol abuse and wet brain is people with alcoholism tend to have poor diets, leading to nutritional deficiencies such as a lack of vitamin b1. Another reason is alcohol abuse reduces the body’s ability to absorb thiamine through the digestive tract. The most effective way to prevent wet brain is to avoid alcohol addiction. If you need help with your drinking, talk to someone about addiction treatment today. Wet brain can progress in a specific pattern, or both Wernicke encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s syndrome can develop together.

I’m Seeking Help

Chronic alcohol abuse damages brain cells and takes a heavy toll on brain health. Alcoholism can not only cause wet brain, but can cause brain shrinkage, impair memory, concentration, and other brain functions. However, after achieving sobriety there is a good chance that brain functioning can be restored, at least mostly. Vitamin B1, or thiamine, deficiency is the cause of this serious disease. When someone consumes alcohol it blocks the absorption of thiamine by causing inflammation in the gut. Also, in late stage alcoholism, the person may prefer to drink instead of eating a healthy diet.

Long-term (chronic) alcohol use irritates your stomach and digestive tract. It also interferes with your body’s ability to absorb vitamins (malabsorption). An estimated 80% of people with alcohol addiction don’t absorb or retain enough thiamine. Symptoms directly related to thiamine deficiency will begin to reverse with proper medical care. Wet brain is absolutely treatable if caught in the early stages.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Wet Brain?

Drinking disrupts neurotransmitters that send messages throughout the body. However, a thiamine deficiency can also interfere with the production of chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. This means that anyone who drinks on a regular basis can potentially develop the syndrome and experience  Wernicke Korsakoff disease symptoms.

However, they’ll experience deteriorating conditions due to the extreme loss of brain cells. The good news—if caught early enough—is that wet brain syndrome is a preventable, treatable disease if you stop drinking and seek help. Intense thiamine replacement therapy and abstinence from alcohol can result in a noticeable improvement in both mental and physical functioning within weeks. Typically, an individual reaches end-stage alcoholism after years of alcohol abuse.

However, additional medications may be needed to treat other symptoms. Treatment of Wernicke’s encephalopathy begins with increased intake of thiamine. Doctors will help patients identify a more well-rounded diet of vitamin B1. The long-term effects of this disease can range from difficulty with personal interactions https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and injuries caused by loss of coordination to coma or even death. While wet brain isn’t curable, early detection can help treat symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. These signs — coupled with a doctor’s awareness of the patient’s alcohol addiction —could lead to further neurological testing.

About 50% of those who develop Wernicke encephalopathy eventually develop Korsakoff syndrome. The number is higher (80%) among those who have alcohol use disorder. An addiction treatment program can help you access the tools and resources you need, ranging from detox programs to mental health services, that will help you overcome your addiction. This happens all too often among people who have an alcohol problem as alcohol use disorder is something that causes a lack of vitamin B1. Medical scientists are currently studying phenytoin as a treatment for WKS. Ongoing trials also seek to determine the optimal thiamine dosage to treat WKS.

There are two main stages – Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s psychosis. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the primary social factor that leads to having Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome is chronic exposure to Alcohol. While short-term Alcohol abuse or occasional binge drinking won’t cause wet brain, forming a dependency could lead to a reduction in thiamine.