Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome & DWI

 Did you know that a person with Wernicke- Korsakoff syndrome has the same mental and physical symptoms as a person who is intoxicated?  Here is  how Web MD describes it: "Wernicke encephalopathy typically comes on suddenly, and you’ll need treatment right away. Symptoms include confusion, loss of muscle coordination, and trouble with your vision. Korsakoff syndrome happens more slowly. It's a long-term, ongoing problem that damages the part of the brain that handles memory." Loss of balance, or ataxia, is a classic symptom. It happens due to a severe lack of B1 thiamine. Who gets Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome? It can happen to people who do not absorb nutrients properly due to certain conditions like chemotherapy, bariatric surgery and gastric issues. It also occurs with those who have poor nutrition or eating disorders.  Cops often use the horizontal gaze nystagmus test (HGN) as the deciding test before arresting people. However; those with Wernicke- Korsakoff syndrome exhibit classic HGN. In fact, vertical nystagmus may persist for months and horizontal gaze nystagmus can exist indefinitely.  Some warning signs are clients who are extremely thin, recently and formerly homeless, as well as big drinkers. Heavy drinkers often do not receive the proper amount of nutrition, opting instead to expend their calories in alcohol. Alcohol even stops the absorption of thiamine.  It is probably just as easy, if not easier, for the DWI lawyer practitioner to spot the signs of this very serious disease due to the nature of the offense (alcohol issues being common) and advise the client to consult with their doctor to stop the disease's progression.  




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