Wernicke-Korsakoff Lawyer: How We Can Help

If you or a loved one experienced permanent brain damage due to a severe B1/thiamine deficiency after bariatric surgery, you may be entitled to financial compensation. This can occur if your medical provider failed to monitor, diagnose, or treat you for Wernicke’s Encephalopathy. Our Wernicke-Korsakoff lawyer can help you determine if you have a medical malpractice claim. 

What is Wernicke’s Encephalopathy and Korsakoff Syndrome?

Wernicke’s encephalopathy is caused by a vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. It is usually caused by excessive alcohol consumption and/or improper nutrition. We often see this  in those with mental health conditions, eating disorders, and the elderly. 

Additionally, it can occur during chemotherapy and cancer treatments. It can also  accompany kidney and stomach disorders, and certain whole-body conditions like AIDS or severe infections.

Unfortunately, this dangerous lack of vitamin B1 is also a known risk following bariatric surgery (particularly gastric bypass).

Symptoms of Wernicke’s Encephalopathy

Symptoms of Wernicke’s Encephalopathy can take a long time to show up. Additionally, they are typically as severe as the level of vitamin B1 deficiency. Symptoms and related medical conditions include:

• Confusion or brain fog: Difficulty in thinking clearly.
• Loss of coordination: Trouble with balance and walking.
• Vision and eye movement abnormalities: Double vision or involuntary eye movements.
• Drowsiness and/or lack of energy: Persistent tiredness.
• Fainting: Loss of consciousness.
• Low blood pressure on standing: Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up.
• Fast heartbeat: Unusually rapid heart rate.

If left untreated, Wernicke’s can progress to Korsakoff syndrome. Korsakoff presents as increased confusion, memory loss, and results in permanent brain damage.

Why is Early Diagnosis Crucial?

Wernicke’s symptoms are reversible with the proper recognition and treatment (high doses of B1). Conversely, Korsakoff-level brain damage is not reversible. 

For about 20% of people who develop Wernicke’s Encephalopathy, it is a potentially fatal condition. Once it reaches full presentation, patients are in a consistent state of confusion. They often lack emotional or cognitive responses, similar to dementia.

Why Does This Happen?

The progression of Wernicke’s Encephalopathy into permanent brain damage is primarily due to a lack of proper risk assessment and monitoring following bariatric procedures. The bariatric surgeon and other doctors involved in post-operative and long-term care are responsible for monitoring patients to ensure they receive adequate nutrition, including thiamine/B1.

Common Failures Leading to Wernicke’s Encephalopathy

• Failure to notice or properly treat a patient unable to eat, hold down food or liquid, or otherwise not taking in enough nutrition, especially due to excessive vomiting.
• Failure to diagnose or screen for cognitive and speech deficiencies which could indicate a vitamin deficiency.
• Failure to recognize or screen for lack of coordination, changes in gait, and clumsiness.
• Failure to respond quickly to early signs and symptoms of Wernicke’s Encephalopathy with the proper treatment.

This is particularly disturbing because the treatment for Wernicke’s Encephalopathy is simple and easy to administer. Additionally, it produces little to no negative side effects when administered unnecessarily or in excess. The failure to give thiamine/B1, especially when other symptoms are present, is simply negligence.

Do I Have a Wernicke’s Encephalopathy Case?

Determining whether you have a case involves examining the specific details of your situation. Some key considerations include:

• Were you or a loved one recently diagnosed with Wernicke’s Encephalopathy after a surgery or medical procedure?
• Was there a failure by your medical provider to recognize and treat the symptoms of thiamine deficiency?
• Did the medical negligence lead to severe or permanent brain damage, or other significant health issues?

How Our Wernicke’s Encephalopathy Attorneys Can Help

At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, we are committed to fighting for justice and holding negligent healthcare providers accountable. We have more than forty years of experience handling complex medical malpractice cases, including those involving Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome.

Why Choose Our Wernicke-Korsakoff Lawyer?

• Expertise and Dedication: Our attorneys are consistently recognized by our peers for excellence in legal practice. We have the experience and dedication needed to secure the best outcomes for our clients.
• Educational Involvement: Our attorneys teach law as adjunct professors because they know the field inside and out. This involvement in legal education ensures that we stay at the forefront of legal developments and can provide the highest level of representation.
• Proven Track Record: We have a long history of success handling serious medical malpractice cases, with numerous significant settlements and verdicts. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we fight tirelessly to secure the compensation and justice they deserve.

What We Do for You

• Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We thoroughly review all medical records, consult with experts, and build a strong case to demonstrate negligence.
• Aggressive Representation: Our lawyers for Wernicke-Korsakoff work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
• Support and Guidance: We provide compassionate support throughout the legal process, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation 

If you or a loved one has suffered from Wernicke’s Encephalopathy due to medical negligence, contact our trusted medical malpractice attorneys today.  Schedule a free consultation. We are here to help you seek justice and secure the compensation you deserve.