Wet Brain Syndrome: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Wet Brain Syndrome (Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome) is a severe vitamin B1 deficiency that causes death in about 20% of cases if not diagnosed and treated early [1]. 

Prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment are everything. Read on to understand what wet brain syndrome is, effective treatment options, and prevention. 

What is Wet Brain Syndrome?

“Wet brain syndrome” refers to Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS). This is a severe, life-threatening brain disorder caused by a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1). When the brain is deficient in thiamine, glucose metabolism is affected, and the brain struggles to produce energy cells, causing distressing physical symptoms and cognitive deficits. There are several causes of thiamine deficiency, with chronic alcohol abuse being the top contributor of nearly 80% of cases

For patients diagnosed with alcohol-induced Wet Brain syndrome, 50% are fatal within 8 years of experiencing the first episode of symptoms. This is often attributed to malnutrition, serious bacterial infections, cancer, and liver disease [1]. 

Sometimes the term “wet brain” is used to refer to individuals who have abused alcohol and developed WKS. However, this can be stigmatizing and stems from the belief that individuals with WKS contracted it willfully due to their alcohol abuse. This can create a negative bias and support the idea that addiction is a moral failing, rather than a medical condition.  

What Causes Wet Brain Syndrome?

Wet brain syndrome is caused by a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1). Only 1 to 2% of the population develops it, however, those who abuse alcohol are at a higher risk, around 12% to 14% [2]. Alcohol impacts the body’s ability to absorb, store, and use thiamine. 

Other causes of WKS include: 

• Malnutrition caused by eating disorders, starvation, or diets severely lacking thiamine (more common in populations with food scarcity). 

• Malabsorption from medical conditions or treatment such as cancer, chemotherapy, or weight-loss surgery.  

• Hereditary Enzyme Deficiencies affecting thiamine metabolism. 

Signs and Stages of Wet Brain Syndrome

The first part of WKS is Wernicke’s Encephalopathy, a severe but temporary condition with symptoms such as mental confusion, loss of coordination and motor skills, and abnormal eye movements or changes in vision. 

The second part of WKS is Korsakoff’s psychosis, which often follows Wernicke’s encephalopathy. This is a chronic condition and state of psychosis that impairs learning, memory, and daily functioning. 

Other common symptoms of wet brain syndrome include:

• Droopy eyelids
• Trouble standing or walking without support
• Low blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Decreased body temperature (constantly cold or shivering)
• Short-term memory loss, some long-term memory loss
• Mood swings, apathy, irritability, aggression
• Hallucinations
• In long-term, untreated cases, coma and death from brain swelling   

Is Wet Brain Reversible? Treatment Options

WKS is potentially reversible, depending on the severity of a person’s symptoms, how early they begin treatment, and the type of treatment they receive, all of which can impact whether a case of wet brain can be reversed or alleviated.

Early and aggressive thiamine treatment can fully reverse symptoms in some cases. However, if symptoms have reached Korsakoff’s psychosis, it is unlikely to reverse memory or cognitive impairments.  

The primary treatment option for WKS is high doses of thiamine (typically 500 mg daily for at least 3 to 5 days). This is often administered intravenously in a medical setting. Follow-up thiamine supplements (300 mg daily) taken orally are often administered for several weeks following initial treatment to support ongoing recovery [3]. 

Wet Brain Prevention: Early Approach

Preventing wet brain syndrome means addressing vitamin B1 deficiency. If you or a loved one struggles with chronic alcohol abuse this greatly increases the risk, and some prevention approaches include [4]: 

• Address Alcohol Use: The best prevention method is to reduce drinking or stop drinking altogether. Reach out to a mental health professional or alcohol abuse treatment program if you struggle with an alcohol abuse problem and need support quitting. 

• Thiamine Supplementation: Regular use of thiamine (better if administered through an IV) is highly recommended in high-risk individuals, such as those undergoing alcohol withdrawal or in active alcohol addiction. 

• Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet filled with fresh leafy greens, fruits, lean proteins, fish, and whole grains, which are rich in Vitamin B1 and other supplements essential for health. Keep in mind, for chronic drinkers, a healthy diet alone is often not enough. 

• Awareness and Education: WKS is not well-known by the general public as a syndrome or long-term effect of alcohol abuse. Even if you are just a “heavy drinker” but not an alcoholic, you can still develop thiamine deficiency. 

• Regular Screenings: Individuals in treatment programs for alcohol abuse can benefit from receiving regular nutritional screenings to reduce the risk of malnutrition.  

• Alcohol Withdrawal: Hospitalized patients who are in an alcohol detox or medically supervised withdrawal program should receive prophylactic thiamine to prevent Wernicke’s encephalopathy, the precursor to WKS. 

Compassionate Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder at AnchorPoint

At AnchorPoint, we are committed to providing compassionate care that addresses the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of our clients. Through a blend of evidence-based therapies, social supports, case management, integrated wellness, and Christ-centered services, we help individuals heal the root cause of alcohol addiction and grow in a supportive, faith-based environment. 

We understand the complex nature of alcoholism and that healing doesn’t just equal sobriety. Our dedicated team of faith-based clinicians, therapists, and support staff is committed to helping you grow emotionally and setting goals for long-term recovery. 

Contact our admissions team to begin your healing journey today. 

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