Korsakow syndrome - specialists and information

Korsakov's syndrome, also known as amnestic syndrome, is a form of amnesia that mainly occurs in people with alcohol addiction as a result of long-term alcohol abuse. However, diseases of the brain can also cause the disorder. It is then referred to as organic amnesic syndrome. Named after the Russian specialist in psychiatry and neurology Sergey Korsakov, the disease typically manifests itself in severe memory impairment.

Below you will find further information and selected Korsakov syndrome specialists.

Symptoms of Korsakov's syndrome

Korsakow syndrome is characterized by symptoms such as

• severe impairment of short and long-term memory
• a temporal orientation disorder
• confabulations (patients fill in memory gaps with invented material)

Causes of Korsakov's syndrome

Korsakov's syndrome usually occurs as a final state after several delirious episodes of alcohol dependence. It is then referred to as an amnestic syndrome rather than an organic amnestic syndrome.

In addition, Korsakov's syndrome (organic amnestic syndrome) can be caused by a variety of brain diseases and other physical illnesses that lead to a disruption of midbrain structures. Examples of causative physical illnesses are

• brain injuries
• Infections of the brain
• strokes
• multiple sclerosis
• Brain tumors
• Carbon monoxide poisoning

Another form of the disease is the so-called Wernicke-Korsakow encephalopathy. This is a very severe and life-threatening amnestic syndrome with eye muscle paralysis, gait disorders and confusion. It is based on a vitamin B1 deficiency, which can be caused by malnutrition, alcohol addiction, stomach tumors or other disorders.

Treatment of Korsakow syndrome

Wernicke-Korsakow encephalopathy requires intensive medical treatment. Treatment includes the administration of vitamin B1 and therapy for other underlying diseases such as alcoholism.