‘Neurology‘ - journal of the American Academy of Neurology has discovered that the syndrome ‘Wernicke Encephalopathy‘ known to affect the brain and the nervous system, is a result of the lack of vitamin B1 or thiamine.
It has been observed that in case of some patients undergoing weight loss surgery, frequent vomiting which can result in the condition of the dreaded ‘Wernicke Encephalopathy’ can occur. Out of the 32 cases, it is seen that 27 are women which has led to a thought process of whether the condition is seen more in women or whether the results are so due to more number of women opting for weight loss surgeries.
Although the experts suggest that there is no cause for panic, as one cannot generalize that all patients undergoing the surgery would experience the similar conditions and Wernicke Encephalopathy’ may be a lesser danger as compared to obesity.
It has been observed that the Wernicke syndrome is seen to have occurred in the time frame of the first three months after the surgery ( although an exception to this has been seen after 18 months of the surgery). As a precautionary measure it is advised that the patients strictly follow the instructions of the doctor and take their vitamin supplements as prescribed and report any new and bothering symptoms to the doctor immediately.
Weight loss surgery generally has good results and the final outlook is definitely going to make the patient really happy. Further studies would definitely be helpful in throwing more light on the areas still unknown.
source: bbc
image credit: newenglandnutritives
