THE WERNICKE-KORSAKOFF SYNDROME

Abstract

This latest addition to the series on contemporary neurology is a classic of its kind and can already be recognized as the definitive work on the Wernicke- Korsakoff syndrome.It is an example of what can still be learned by the traditional methods of clinico- pathological correlation.The authors, who are distinguished both as clinicians and pathologists, have studied over 20 years 250 cases of this rare but important syndrome and not only bring together previous work but add much original material on pathology and on prognosis.A number of older observations are subjected to careful analysis and found to be correct.It is confirmed that the disease occurs almost exclusively in alcoholics with dietary deficiency and can be recognized confidently on a clinical basis by a combination of ocular palsy, nystagmus, ataxia, and mental change.The ocular palsies respond well to thiamine, while mental