“Wet brain syndrome” is a slang name for Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, a rare brain disorder. Though it can have several causes, Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome occurs with vitamin B1 deficiency and may be caused by prolonged, heavy alcohol use.
Without treatment, Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome can cause confusion, poor muscle coordination, and hallucinations. Learn more about the syndrome, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Key Points
- Wet brain syndrome is a colloquial term often used to refer to Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, a brain disorder that results from severe thiamine deficiency commonly associated with chronic alcohol use.
- Wet brain is caused by a thiamine deficiency, which can occur with prolonged, heavy alcohol use.
- Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome can have significant, disruptive symptoms that get progressively worse, such as hallucinations and lack of coordination.
- The earlier treatment starts for Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, the better the outcomes.
- Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome can be life-threatening without treatment.
What Is Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome?
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, also known as wet brain syndrome, is a rare, severe, and potentially fatal brain disorder that’s typically connected to chronic alcohol abuse and addiction, though it can have other causes.
The name “Wernicke-Korsakoff” refers to two brain disorders that happen simultaneously with the syndrome: Wernicke’s disease and Korsakoff’s psychosis. Brain damage as a result of chronic alcohol use can cause a vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. Alcohol use affects the digestive system’s ability to absorb and process vitamin B1 from the diet, leading to Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome.
The Wernicke disorder is Wernicke’s encephalopathy, which is a temporary but severe condition that’s characterized by confusion, loss of coordination, and vision changes.[1] Korsakoff’s psychosis is a persistent, chronic condition that affects learning and memory processes.[2]
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is exceptionally rare, with only about 2% of the general population affected.[3]
“Wernicke-Korsakoff” can be challenging to pronounce and remember, so the syndrome is often called “wet brain” colloquially. Though wet brain is widely used and accepted, it’s a stigmatizing and derogatory name that insinuates that drinking alcohol in excess is a moral failing rather than a disease.
Wet Brain Syndrome Causes
Vitamin B1, known as thiamine, is at the core of wet brain syndrome. It is an essential nutrient that can only be obtained through diet. If you lack thiamine over long periods, it can damage the brain, heart, and nerves.
Malnutrition is often associated with chronic alcohol use. People who drink alcohol in excess often eat poorly or miss meals, limiting their thiamine intake. Alcohol also causes inflammation in the digestive tract, making the thiamine they get from food less likely to be absorbed. Finally, alcohol use can affect the body’s ability to process and utilize the thiamine that is gained from the diet.
Symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
The early symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome can be mistaken for alcohol intoxication. However, with a wet brain, the symptoms continue after intoxication has worn off.
The two conditions that comprise Wernicke-Korsakoff have distinct symptoms. The symptoms of Wernicke encephalopathy include mental confusion, loss of muscular coordination, and eye movement dysfunction.[4] As the disease progresses, the nerves that control the eyes become paralyzed, leading to dropping eyelids, difficulty tracking objects, and involuntary eye movement. People may eventually lose their ability to walk.
Korsakoff psychosis, or “alcoholic amnestic disorder,” has symptoms like behavioral changes, hallucinations, and amnesia.[5] This can be retrograde, when the memory issues affect memories in the past, or anterograde, when the memory issues affect new memories. Often, people with Korsakoff psychosis will try to fill in the missing pieces of their memory by coming up with stories, which is known as confabulation.
Wet brain is a progressive condition that worsens without treatment. In the late stages of wet brain, symptoms like severe lethargy, loss of consciousness, coma, and death may occur. Other complications like fall injuries, permanent loss of cognitive function, and permanent neuropathy may occur.
Treatment for Wet Brain Syndrome
Early treatment is crucial to reverse the symptoms of wet brain, but many factors can affect the outcome. Recovery from Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is possible, particularly if treatment begins early, but complete recovery is uncommon.
Thiamine supplementation is the main treatment for wet brain, especially early on. It can be provided through intravenous injection or oral doses. If there are other nutritional deficiencies, these are often treated simultaneously to ensure that the thiamine can be processed efficiently.
Typically, alcohol addiction is treated at the same time as wet brain syndrome. Otherwise, alcohol consumption will only impede the treatment progress and lead to worsening symptoms. That said, alcohol use should never stop suddenly after prolonged use. Quitting alcohol abruptly once dependence has developed can cause severe and potentially dangerous complications like seizures, delirium tremens, and death.
Detox is often the first step in treating alcohol addiction and preventing the complications of alcohol withdrawal. This provides a medical team for supervision, care, and support to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and minimize discomfort.
Once detox is complete, it’s important to seek treatment programs to address the underlying causes of addiction beyond physical dependence. Alcohol addiction treatment can be effective with a range of treatment options, including individual therapy, group counseling, family therapy, and behavioral therapies that focus on correcting unhealthy behavioral patterns.
Seek Help for Alcohol Addiction
Wet brain syndrome, or Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition associated with prolonged heavy alcohol use and addiction. Early treatment is key to stopping the progression of wet brain syndrome and permanent damage.