Individuals who chronically abuse alcohol are at a higher risk of developing wet brain. Although alcohol addiction can be highly disruptive, it’s also treatable with the right blend of science-based treatments – we can help you with this at Gratitude Lodge. Our welcoming, pet-friendly rehabs in Newport Beach and Long Beach offer inpatient treatment for alcohol addictions and mental health issues. In severe cases, those with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome may require long-term care. This could involve living in a specialized care facility where they can receive ongoing medical attention, nutritional support, and therapy. alcoholism treatment Family members and caregivers also play a part in supporting the person’s recovery and managing daily challenges.
How Is Wet Brain Diagnosed?
Heart and nervous system cells are extremely sensitive to a thiamine deficiency. Congestive heart failure and extensive cognitive impairment (“mush brain”) are often the cause of alcoholics requiring long-term mush brain hospitalization or nursing home care. The development of wet brain syndrome can vary depending on individual factors, but it usually occurs after prolonged periods of heavy drinking 4, poor nutrition, or both. The body requires a steady supply of thiamine to keep the brain functioning properly.
Symptoms of Korsakoff Syndrome
Unlike physical exhaustion, where muscles tire, brain fatigue affects memory retention, focus, and processing speed. To combat this, regular breaks, hydration, and mindfulness exercises can help restore mental clarity. The second part of the treatment process for wet brain syndrome is to seek help from an addiction treatment program. Getting help for your addiction is important, especially if you suffer from wet brain syndrome, because the disorder will https://tijadevelopment.or.tz/how-alcohol-affects-your-kidneys-short-long-term/ continue to progress if you don’t stop drinking. The official medical term for wet brain syndrome is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Wet Brain Syndrome: Understanding the Consequences of Long-Term, Untreated Alcoholism
- This causes the body to not be able to have enough thiamine to properly function.
- Headaches might start playing drums in your skull, and dizziness can make you feel like you’re on a perpetual merry-go-round.
- It’s like putting together a jigsaw puzzle of your life, trying to see where the pieces of your scrambled brain fit in.
- This condition happens in both short-term and long-term stages of the deficiency.
Studies have found that 80 to 90 percent of people who have Wernicke syndrome go on to develop Korsakoff syndrome. Not everyone with Wernicke’s encephalopathy will also develop Korsakoff’s psychosis; it typically develops due to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment of the former condition. While anyone can develop the disorder, people who consume alcohol are more likely to develop the condition. Brain melting is a real phenomenon, and it’s something we all experience from time to time. It’s not a sign of weakness or failure – it’s simply our brain’s way of telling us we need to slow down and recharge.
