Wet Brain?
It’s a strange name for a serious condition. It’s also called Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome. But no one is going to remember that. So, naming conventions aside: What is wet brain syndrome?
Basically, it’s a form of dementia that is brought on by chronic abuse of alcohol. Those who have abused alcohol for an excessive amount of time will form lesions on the brain. Eventually, those lesions break down parts of the brain leading to long-term damage. That’s the short answer.
Untreated Alcoholism and Its Risks
Alcohol abuse is a significant problem in the United States. Alcohol is a drug, and as many as 1 in 8 individuals meet the criteria for alcoholism as of 2017. Alcoholism has many side effects—physical, mental, and social—and combined, and it can be crippling.
A lesser-known result of heavy drinking is a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. Thiamine’s job is to metabolize sugars and create energy. This is important. A high percentage of people who need alcohol rehab need more thiamine. But a lack of thiamine can cause damage to the brain, nerves, and heart.
The Compounding Problem
People with alcohol use disorder tend to make poor eating decisions. This compounding aspect links heavy drinking and poor eating, which can produce brain damage. Wet brain syndrome is also sometimes called “alcohol-related dementia.” And just like regular dementia, Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) could produce irreversible memory and cognition problems. The key is to catch it early.
Early Stages of Wet Brain Syndrome
If symptoms are caught early enough, and the person stops drinking, the damage done can be reversed or at least mitigated. Early signs of Wet Brain Syndrome include:
- Issues with balance and coordination
- Abnormal and involuntary eye twitches and movements
- A loss or decrease in reaction time
- Heart rate changes
- A weakening of the muscles
- Walking may become difficult, or the victim may begin walking with an abnormal gait
- Difficulty in cognitive processes leading to confusion
Normal function can be returned if drinking stops immediately and thiamine treatment begins. But treatment must begin immediately, or otherwise, the damage will be irreversible.
Late Stages of Wet Brain Syndrome
Sadly, many who suffer from Wet Brain Syndrome due to chronic alcoholism do not seek the treatment necessary and develop into the late stages.
The late stages of Wet Brain Syndrome are not curable, and the damage done cannot be reversed. Symptoms may be treated at this stage to improve quality of life, but once the late stages have set in, the person will forever deal with the effects of Wet Brain Syndrome. Common symptoms are:
- Loss of memory
- Inability to develop new memories and a decreased ability to learn new things
- Hallucinations
- Severely impaired balance and general coordination
- Difficulty walking (as a result of the loss of balance and coordination)
- Irritable, agitated mood with bursts of anger
- Creating fictional narratives to fill in the blank for lost memories (Confabulation)
- Decrease in vision
- General disorientation
- A general feeling of confusion
- Changes and shifts in established personality
- The loss of the ability to care for oneself
Alcoholism can be severely detrimental to your health and well-being, and Wet Brain Syndrome is a tragic side effect. If you have issues with excessive drinking, keep an eye out for the early-stage symptoms before it is too late.
Alcohol Rehab Center in Austin
If you have concerns about Wet Brain Syndrome and are struggling with alcohol addiction, it’s time to seek help from an alcohol rehab center in Austin.
At our men’s alcohol and drug rehab center, we understand the challenges and complexities of alcohol addiction and provide individualized treatment plans to help our clients overcome their addiction and achieve long-lasting recovery.
Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping you or your loved one find the tools you need to manage your addiction and take your life back. Contact us today to learn more.
