10 Serious Indicators Of Wernicke's Encephalopathy

7. Hypothermia (Abnormally Low Body Temperature)

Another surprising autonomic nervous system dysfunction seen in Wernicke's encephalopathy is hypothermia – an abnormally low body temperature. The brain's hypothalamus, which controls thermoregulation, relies on thiamine for proper function. When energy production is compromised, this vital regulatory center can fail, leading to a dangerous drop in core body temperature. This often occurs even in warm environments and can be a subtle, yet serious, clue when combined with mental changes or gait abnormalities.

8. Memory Impairment (Acute Onset)

While severe, chronic memory loss is characteristic of Korsakoff syndrome (the later stage), a sudden, acute onset of severe memory impairment can be a critical sign of Wernicke's encephalopathy. This isn't just typical confusion; it's a pronounced inability to form new memories (anterograde amnesia) or recall recent events. Patients may repeatedly ask the same questions or be unable to remember conversations from minutes prior. This acute amnesia, alongside other neurological symptoms, points directly to severe thiamine-related brain dysfunction requiring immediate intervention.