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Patient with Wernicke’s Encephalopathy meeting with nurse at medically supervised detox

Wernicke’s Encephalopathy: The Importance of Medically Supervised Detox

August 20, 2022

Wernicke’s encephalopathy, also known in the past as wet brain, is a neurological disorder that is caused by a lack of vitamin B1. This can happen when someone is addicted to alcohol and stops drinking abruptly. Without proper medical supervision, this can lead to serious health complications. This blog post will discuss the symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy and the importance of medically supervised detox.

When someone with an alcohol addiction stops drinking abruptly, they can experience a range of withdrawal symptoms. These can include anxiety, tremors, and hallucinations. In some cases, people may also experience Wernicke’s encephalopathy. This is a neurological disorder that is caused by a lack of vitamin B1, also known as thiamine.

What are the Symptoms of Wernicke’s Encephalopathy?

Wernicke’s encephalopathy can cause a range of symptoms, including confusion, memory loss, and problems with coordination. People with Wernicke’s encephalopathy may also have difficulty speaking and understanding language.

Additional Symptoms include:

  • Vision changes such as abnormal eye movements, double vision, eyelid drooping
  • Drowsiness
  • Fainting
  • A faster heartbeat than normal
  • Low blood pressure when you stand up
  • A lack of energy

The condition can progress rapidly and be fatal if not treated immediately. Therefore, if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical help immediately.

Why is Medically Supervised Detox Important?

Medically supervised detox is the best way to ensure that someone with an alcohol addiction can safely and effectively detox from alcohol. During medically supervised detox, a team of medical professionals will monitor the person’s vital signs and provide them with any necessary medications. This ensures that the person can detox from alcohol without experiencing serious health complications.

Because Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a serious condition that can have permanent consequences if left untreated, medically supervised detox is an essential step for those addicted to alcohol. At a medically supervised detox center, patients will have around-the-clock care from nurses and doctors who know how to treat Wernicke’s encephalopathy.

Additionally, when a person receives treatment in a medically supervised setting, they can be provided resources to make decisions about the next steps on their recovery journey. At Restored Path, we provide all our patients with a continuing care plan that outlines options for the next steps on their path to wellness.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many people who care and want to help you recover. It is possible to improve your symptoms and quality of life when you experience alcohol detox under medical supervision.

 

Restored Path Detox is DFW’s premier location for sophisticated medical detox. Conveniently located in Frisco, we provide a safe sanctuary for healing that is also a state-of-the-art alcohol and drug detox in Dallas for a wide range of substances. Our compassionate physicians and therapists want you to get well and are committed to removing any existing barriers to your care. Restored Path’s board-certified medical professionals and highly qualified nursing team have extensive critical care experience and are available to monitor your detox program 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you or a loved one are struggling with drug or alcohol use, call us today and take your first step towards recovery: 469-827-0000.

If you or a loved one are struggling with drug or alcohol use, call us today and take your first step towards recovery: (469) 827-0000.

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