베르니케 코르사코프 증후군 환자에서 재활치료의 효과

Abstract

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is frequently diagnosed in alcoholics after an episode of acute thiamine deficiency. The common symptoms include nystagmus, ataxia, and confused mentality. Diagnosis can be obtained from clinical symptoms and MR diffusion weighted image, and treatment achieved by intravenous thiamine administration. However, severe complication can be developed in some cases even though taking of an early diagnosis and treatment. In addition, there has been insufficient rehabilitation approach to the patients with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. We report a case of 40-year-old man with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome who was hospitalized with gait difficulty and global apathetic-confusional state. After the diagnosis of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, the patient was treated with intravenous thiamine administration. Nonetheless, the patient showed severe functional limitation with gait difficulty and persisted cognitive dysfunction. With comprehensive rehabilitation program with central nervous system stimulants, however, these symptoms were greatly improved.