Wet Brain Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, also known as Wet Brain Syndrome, is a rare brain disorder that results from vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. It’s often seen in people who have poor nutrition caused by long-term alcoholism or heavy drinking.

Without treatment, Wet Brain Syndrome can cause confusion, poor muscle coordination, and hallucinations. Find out more about Wet Brain Syndrome, its causes and symptoms, and the addiction treatment resources available.

What Is Wet Brain Syndrome?

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (Wet Brain Syndrome) is a rare, severe, and life-threatening brain disorder that’s often associated with chronic alcohol misuse and severe alcohol use disorder (AUD). It can have other causes as well.

This syndrome involves two different brain disorders that usually occur simultaneously: Wernicke’s disease and Korsakoff’s psychosis. They involve brain damage associated with AUD and vitamin B1 deficiency. In people with severe AUD, poor nutrition affects the digestive system’s ability to absorb vitamin B1 from food, increasing the likelihood of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome.

The first aspect of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is Wernicke’s encephalopathy, which is a severe and temporary condition that causes confusion, loss of coordination, vision changes, and abnormal eye movements.[1] The second aspect is Korsakoff’s psychosis, which is a persistent, chronic condition that can impair learning and memory.[2]

Only about 1% to 2% of the general population will develop Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, but it’s often seen among people who misuse alcohol, with rates estimated between 12% and 14%.[3]

While “Wet Brain Syndrome” is a colloquial term for Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, it is important to approach the condition with sensitivity and awareness of its medical nature. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and alcohol misuse are recognized medical conditions, and the development of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is a complex interplay of factors, including nutrition, genetics, and the body’s ability to absorb and use vitamins.

Causes of Wet Brain Syndrome

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is an essential nutrient only obtained through diet. A long-term thiamine deficiency can damage the brain, nerves, and heart.

Chronic alcohol misuse can lead to poor nutrition, ultimately causing thiamine deficiency. People who drink heavily regularly may eat less or eat a poor diet, affecting the amount of thiamine they get from food.

In addition, alcohol creates inflammation in the digestive tract, so even when the diet contains thiamine, it’s more difficult to absorb. Heavy drinking can also make it more difficult for the body to process and use any thiamine that is absorbed.

Symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

The symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome can be easy to miss as they mimic those of alcohol intoxication. Even if the person stops drinking, they can persist.

Each condition involved in Wernicke-Korsakoff has unique symptoms. The symptoms of Wernicke encephalopathy include mental confusion, loss of muscular coordination, and eye movement dysfunction.[4] Eventually, the nerves that control the eyes may become paralyzed, causing drooping lids, involuntary eye movements, and difficulty tracking objections. Some people with Wernicke’s encephalopathy may walk with a staggered movement or lose their ability to walk completely.

Korsakoff psychosis, which may be referred to as “alcoholic amnestic disorder,” has additional symptoms, including amnesia, behavioral changes, and hallucinations.[5] The amnesia may be retrograde, with difficulty remembering past information, and anterograde, with difficulty forming new memories. People may fill in gaps in their memory by making up false stories (confabulation).

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is progressive and will worsen without treatment. It can be life-threatening in the later stages, leading to symptoms like severe lethargy, loss of consciousness, coma, and death. There are additional complications that can occur, such as injuries caused by falls, permanent loss of cognitive skills, and permanent alcoholic neuropathy.

Treatment for Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome may be reversible if treated early enough, but it depends on the severity of the person’s symptoms and other factors. A full recovery is possible but rare. Thiamine therapy can show improvement in symptoms after about 5 to 12 days.[6]

The primary treatment for Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is intense thiamine supplementation, especially in the early stages. It may be provided as an oral supplement or through intravenous injection. Additional vitamins and minerals may be necessary to fill nutritional gaps and ensure the body can process the thiamine supplement.

Ideally, someone getting treatment for Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome will also get treatment for alcohol addiction. This is important to slow the progression of symptoms and improve the treatment.

However, it’s dangerous to quit drinking alcohol cold turkey once dependence develops. Alcohol withdrawal can have serious complications like delirium, tremors, seizures, and possible death. Medical detox is necessary to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the likelihood of complications under medical supervision.

Following detox, it’s crucial to get treatment for the psychological aspects of addiction with a full treatment program. Alcohol rehab is individualized, but it may include inpatient or outpatient treatment with a combination of therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, individual therapy, group counseling, and family counseling.

Get Help for Alcohol Addiction

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, or “Wet Brain Syndrome,” is a rare but serious risk of long-term heavy drinking and AUD. Early treatment for both the condition and alcohol addiction offers the best chance of reversing the condition and preventing devastating, permanent complications.

At our La Plata Addiction Treatment center, we provide customized care plans tailored to meet your unique needs. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery journey.