Pediatric non-alcoholic Wernicke's encephalopathy: a case report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Nutritional Neuroscience

Background:

• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a neurological disorder from thiamine deficiency.
• While often linked to alcoholism, non-alcoholic causes exist, including in children.

Observation:

• An 11-year-old obese male developed Wernicke's encephalopathy symptoms after bariatric surgery complications and a hypocaloric diet.
• Symptoms included visual impairment, nystagmus, and diplopia, indicating acute thiamine deficiency.

Findings:

• Prompt empiric thiamine supplementation led to significant clinical improvement.
• This case highlights risk factors for non-alcoholic Wernicke's encephalopathy in pediatric patients.

Implications:

• Early recognition and treatment of non-alcoholic Wernicke's encephalopathy are crucial for favorable outcomes.
• Increased awareness of pediatric risk factors can improve diagnostic rates and patient survival.