WE

Q: Wernicke Encephalopathy (WE) is more common in? (select one)

A) Male
B) Female


Answer: B

The paradox of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE)  is that the cases of WE in men outnumbered those in women, but women are more susceptible to acquire WE than men. This is not a true paradox after adjusting for alcohol dependence, which is higher in men.

#neurology


Reference:

1. Victor, M, Adams, RA, Collins, GH. The Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and related disorders due to alcoholism and malnutrition. FA Davis, Philadelphia 1989.

2.  Harper C. The incidence of Wernicke's encephalopathy in Australia--a neuropathological study of 131 cases. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1983; 46:593.