Loss Lessons: Recognition of Wernicke Encephalopathy - Activity ID 3294

Course Instructions

Thursday, February 16, 2023, 12:00 AM - Monday, February 16, 2026, 12:00 AM


AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (0.50 hours), Contact Hours (ANCC) (0.50 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (0.50 hours)

Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is a syndrome, commonly seen in patients with alcohol use disorder who do not take adequate thiamine. A classic triad of symptoms features ataxia, ophthalmoplegia, confusion, and loss of short-term memory. The diagnosis can be elusive as there is not specific diagnostic marker for the condition. WE should be suspected in any patient with conditions that may lead to malnutrition in combination with any of the following symptoms: altered mental status ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, delirium, and hypotension. Considered a medical emergency, it must be reversed to prevent permanent deficits. This case illustrates a cascade of errors which led to permanent disability. Some practical interventions to quickly recognize and reverse the condition are offered following the case presentation.

Learning Objectives apply to all professions. Learners will demonstrate their understanding that Wernicke encephalopathy is an emergent condition that requires immediate treatment with high dose thiamine to prevent permanent neurological deficit or death by scoring 80% or higher on a post test.

To obtain credit and a certificate of completion, learners must score 80% or higher on a post-test and complete a program evaluation.

1. Recognize the symptoms related to Wernicke encephalopathy when presented.
2. Recognize that prompt treatment with high dose thiamine administered IV is required to avoid progression of the condition to permanent brain damage or death.
3. Know that WE is underdiagnosed and under treated because the classic triad of symptoms confusion, oculomotor disorder, and ataxia may only be fully present in about 10 percent of patients.

1. Learners will demonstrate their understanding that Wernicke encephalopathy is an emergent condition that requires immediate treatment with high dose thiamine to prevent permanent neurological deficit or death by scoring at least 80 percent on the post test.

The Doctors Company is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical educational activities for physicians. The Doctors Company designates this activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The Doctors Company is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. The Doctors Company designates this activity for a maximum of 0.5 nursing contact hours. Learners should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Disclaimer
The information and guidelines contained in this activity are generalized and may not apply to all practice situations. We recommend that legal advice be obtained from a qualified attorney for specific application to your practice. The information is intended for educational purposes and should be used as a reference guide only.

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No individual in a position to influence the content of this program has disclosed ineligible financial relationships with commercial interests.