Title
Wernicke's encephalopathy mimicking multiple sclerosis in a young female patient post-bariatric gastric sleeve surgery
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Journal of community hospital internal medicine perspectives
Abstract
We describe a case of Wernicke's encephalopathy secondary to thiamine (B1) deficiency in a patient status post-bariatric sleeve gastrectomy. The presenting symptoms of new-onset weakness, diplopia, and confusion in a young female patient raised suspicion for multiple sclerosis (MS), but given a history of bariatric surgery, thiamine levels were checked, revealing significant Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. This case highlights the importance of thorough history taking, as a misdiagnosis of MS in this case could have resulted in irreversible neurological deterioration and hematological and infectious consequences associated with the inappropriate administration of disease-modifying therapies. It is also important to note that severe vitamin deficiency occurred despite medication compliance.
First Page
658
Last Page
661
DOI
10.1080/20009666.2021.1949792
Publication Date
1-1-2021
Recommended Citation
Lal, Divya; Farrell, Maureen C.; and Krishnamurthy, Mahesh, "Wernicke's encephalopathy mimicking multiple sclerosis in a young female patient post-bariatric gastric sleeve surgery" (2021). Center for Primary Care & Community Health Research @SLUHN Articles & Publications. 14.
https://crin.sluhn.org/cpcr_ap/14
