10 Causes of Nystagmus
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Cause #6: Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome refers to the combination of Wernicke encephalopathy and alcoholic Korsakoff syndrome. Since most patients are often seen with both, it is known as the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. It is caused primarily by a deficiency of vitamin B1. Associated symptoms include ataxia, impaired memory, vision changes, nystagmus, and more.
It is a disorder most commonly seen among alcoholics. The late diagnosis can result in death in 20 percent of cases while an additional 75 percent experience brain damage. 25 percent of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome patients need long term care.
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