Wernicke's Encephalopathy in Patients with Hyperemesis Gravidarum

JH Tan, KH Ho
Correspondence: Dr Tan Joo Hui, junetan99@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
Our two patients presented with Wernicke's Encephalopathy (WE) resulting from prolonged hyperemesis gravidarum. This is an unusual cause of WE, a potentially fatal medical emergency due to thiamine deficiency. We discuss the clinical settings, presentation, diagnosis, neurophysiological and radiological findings, treatment and outcome of WE in these two cases and the neuropathologic correlation of this condition. We stress upon the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment of WE.

Keywords: Wernicke’s Encephalopathy, hyperemesis gravidarum
Singapore Med J 2001; 42(3): 124-125