Wernike's

[strive01]

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A little confused about a concept and hoping someone could clarify

This Uworld Q is about someone with Wernike's and has the classic confusion, nystagmus and ataxia but his BP is 160/60, HR elevated, pupils dilated and reactive to light. I was under the impression that alcohol causes similar sx to benzo's and barbitues since they work on the same Gaba R and cause resp depression and all

What am I missing? Does Wernike's give you more sympathetic stim sx?

 

[strive01]

opps.. spelled wernicke's* wrong !

 

[Instatewaiter]

A little confused about a concept and hoping someone could clarify

This Uworld Q is about someone with Wernike's and has the classic confusion, nystagmus and ataxia but his BP is 160/60, HR elevated, pupils dilated and reactive to light. I was under the impression that alcohol causes similar sx to benzo's and barbitues since they work on the same Gaba R and cause resp depression and all

What am I missing? Does Wernike's give you more sympathetic stim sx?

Without seeing the question, I'm guessing the guy is withdrawing

 

[Lavan]

Wernicke's is not caused by acute alcohol intoxication. It's a consequence of long-term alcohol abuse, specifically depletion of thiamine reserves. Whether you are drunk or not in the ER is irrelevant.