Journal of
eISSN: 2373-6410
Submit manuscript...
Mini Review Volume 15 Issue 5
Managing Wernicke’s encephalopathy in hospitalized patients: a brief review of diagnostic considerations and thiamine treatment
Pooja R Sarkar DO, Austin Pothikamjorn BA, Julie Byler DO, Kevin P Hill MD MHS
Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
Received: September 20, 2025 | Published: October 23, 2025
Citation: Sarkar P, Pothikamjorn A, Byler J, et al. Managing Wernicke’s encephalopathy in hospitalized patients: a brief review of diagnostic considerations and thiamine treatment. J Neurol Stroke. 2025;15(5):122-128. DOI: 10.15406/jnsk.2025.15.00635
Abstract
Wernicke’s encephalopathy is heterogeneously defined, treatable, and reported in a number of disorders that cause thiamine deficiency. Despite well-documented approaches to diagnosis and treatment of this neurological condition, thiamine dosing guidelines remain inconsistent and understudied. Furthermore, identification of symptoms is often delayed or missed entirely. This review explores the historical evolution of Wernicke’s encephalopathy, its pathophysiology, clinical presentation in hospitalized patients, and treatment considerations. We discuss a structured paradigm for inpatient evaluation and special considerations for high-risk populations, including pregnant patients, older adults and individuals with co-occurring substance use beyond alcohol consumption. Wernicke’s encephalopathy remains a clinical diagnosis, though evolving understanding of its etiology, presentation, and epidemiology presents opportunity for earlier detection and treatment.
Keywords: Wernicke’s encephalopathy, alcohol use disorder, thiamine deficiency
©2025 Sarkar, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.