Wernicke's encephalopathy mimicking multiple sclerosis in a young female patient post-bariatric gastric sleeve surgery.
Publication/Presentation Date
1-1-2021
Abstract
We describe a case of Wernicke's encephalopathy secondary to thiamine (B1) deficiency in a patient status post-bariatric sleeve gastrectomy. The presenting symptoms of new-onset weakness, diplopia, and confusion in a young female patient raised suspicion for multiple sclerosis (MS), but given a history of bariatric surgery, thiamine levels were checked, revealing significant Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. This case highlights the importance of thorough history taking, as a misdiagnosis of MS in this case could have resulted in irreversible neurological deterioration and hematological and infectious consequences associated with the inappropriate administration of disease-modifying therapies. It is also important to note that severe vitamin deficiency occurred despite medication compliance.
Volume
11
Issue
5
First Page
658
Last Page
661
ISSN
2000-9666
Published In/Presented At
Lal, D., Farrell, M. C., & Krishnamurthy, M. (2021). Wernicke's encephalopathy mimicking multiple sclerosis in a young female patient post-bariatric gastric sleeve surgery. Journal of community hospital internal medicine perspectives, 11(5), 658–661. https://doi.org/10.1080/20009666.2021.1949792
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
34567458
Department(s)
Department of Medicine
Document Type
Article