Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome Injury Lawyers
Understanding Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome & How Kemmy Law Firm, P.C. Fights for Your Rights
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) is a devastating neurological condition caused by a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1). While WKS is sometimes called “alcoholic encephalopathy” due to its association with chronic alcoholism, it can result from any condition that causes severe nutritional deficiencies, most often caused by prolonged hospitalization with inadequate IV nutritional support.
When left untreated or misdiagnosed, WKS can lead to life-altering cognitive and physical impairments, including permanent memory loss and severe brain damage. Misdiagnosis often delays critical treatment, which can have catastrophic consequences for patients and their families.
Our Success in Holding Medical Providers Accountable
Kemmy Law Firm, P.C. is committed to providing strong representation for victims of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome misdiagnosis. Recently, we secured an 8-figure settlement for a client in one of Texas's most rural, Republican-led counties.
This victory highlights our ability to deliver justice, even in the most challenging environments, which provides financial relief for families burdened by the fallout of preventable medical errors.
Call (830) 264-6297 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.
All of our clients have families of their own. They are decent, hardworking people, and come to us with complex business issues or because their lives have been changed by a catastrophic injury.
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$20 MILLION Oil and gas case involving significant economic harm
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$19.4 MILLION Jury Verdict Wrongful Death of an elderly woman at Assisted Living facility.
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$13.5 MILLION Jury Verdict Patient paralyzed after nurses failed to tell a doctor about a change in condition
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$8 MILLION Young college student suffers brain injury from negligent conduct
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$7.5 MILLION West texas woman becomes brain injured when basic safety rules were not followed
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$6.2 MILLION Jury Verdict Marine veteran suffers catastrophic harm after a dangerous fall
What Causes Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome?
WKS stems from a severe thiamine deficiency, which is crucial for brain health and metabolism.
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the condition, such as:
- Chronic Alcoholism – Alcohol abuse interferes with thiamine absorption and storage.
- Malnutrition – Diets lacking adequate vitamins and nutrients, sometimes caused by eating disorders or bariatric surgery, can lead to WKS.
- Gastrointestinal Conditions – Conditions such as Crohn’s disease or prolonged vomiting can hinder nutrient absorption.
- Prolonged Hospitalization – Patients on IV fluids without nutritional supplementation or those with prolonged fasting may develop thiamine deficiency.
Symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
The symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) can vary significantly depending on the stage of the condition, making early detection and treatment critical. WKS progresses in two distinct phases: Wernicke’s Encephalopathy, which is acute and potentially reversible, and Korsakoff’s Psychosis, which is chronic and often results in permanent damage. Recognizing the symptoms early can mean the difference between recovery and irreversible harm.
How Can Bariatric Surgery Cause Wernicke’s Encephalopathy (WE)?
Bariatric surgery, while often life-changing for individuals struggling with obesity, can sometimes lead to serious complications, including Wernicke’s Encephalopathy (WE). This condition arises due to a severe deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1), which is essential for brain function and overall health. Bariatric surgery, particularly procedures like gastric bypass, alters the digestive system in ways that can interfere with the absorption of nutrients, including thiamine.
The Consequences of Wernicke’s Encephalopathy After Bariatric Surgery
When thiamine deficiency is not identified and treated promptly, it can lead to Wernicke’s Encephalopathy, a severe neurological condition. Symptoms such as confusion, loss of coordination, and abnormal eye movements may develop, and if left untreated, the condition can progress to Korsakoff’s Psychosis, causing permanent brain damage.
If you or a loved one developed Wernicke’s Encephalopathy after bariatric surgery due to inadequate care or delayed diagnosis, you may have grounds to file a medical malpractice claim. Healthcare providers have a duty to monitor patients closely after bariatric surgery, ensuring they receive proper nutritional support and addressing any signs of deficiency immediately.
Symptoms of Wernicke’s Encephalopathy
Wernicke’s Encephalopathy is the initial, acute phase of WKS. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.
Common symptoms include:
- Confusion and Disorientation – Patients may appear dazed, have difficulty understanding their surroundings, or struggle to follow conversations. This mental fog can be mistaken for intoxication or other conditions, delaying proper diagnosis.
- Loss of Muscle Coordination (Ataxia) – Individuals may experience difficulty walking, unsteady movements, or a staggering gait. In severe cases, they may be unable to stand or move without assistance.
- Abnormal Eye Movements – This includes rapid, involuntary eye movements (nystagmus), double vision, or drooping eyelids (ptosis). These symptoms are often overlooked or misattributed to other neurological issues.
Many of these symptoms can be reversed if treated promptly with thiamine supplementation. However, delays in diagnosis or treatment—especially by a medical professional—can allow the condition to progress to the more severe Korsakoff’s Psychosis. Such delays may be grounds to file a claim, and Kemmy Law Firm, P.C. is here to help you seek justice and accountability.
Symptoms of Korsakoff’s Psychosis
Korsakoff’s Psychosis is the chronic, long-term phase of WKS that typically develops if Wernicke’s Encephalopathy is left untreated. The symptoms are primarily cognitive and can profoundly impact a person’s ability to function independently.
Key symptoms include:
- Severe Short-Term Memory Loss – Patients may struggle to retain new information, often forgetting conversations or events from moments earlier. This memory impairment can make daily life extremely challenging.
- Confabulation (Creating False Memories) – Individuals may unknowingly fabricate stories or details to fill gaps in their memory. This is not done intentionally but is a coping mechanism for their cognitive deficits.
- Difficulty Learning New Information – The ability to process and retain new knowledge is significantly impaired, making it hard for individuals to adapt to new situations or learn new skills.
- Hallucinations – Some people may experience visual or auditory hallucinations, further complicating their condition and making it harder to distinguish reality from perception.
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"What surprised me most was the immediate help and desire to help."For my Hispanic compatriots, I would like to share my experience with the Kemmy Law Firm. What surprised me most was the immediate help and desire to help. They provided me with the steps that, as you will understand, are often complicated to achieve my goals.- Carlos L.
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"You could not hire a better attorneys than the Kemmy's."
My husband was involved in an industrial accident & we hired the Kemmy law firm to represent him with that case. You could not hire a better attorneys than the Kemmy's. They went above & beyond to help him get what he deserved. If you are searching for a lawyer in Texas you need to hire them!!!
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Trabajar con Tom y Nick Kemmy en mi caso fue una experiencia mucho mejor de lo que esperaba. Fueron muy amables y escucharon lo que tenía que decir. También fue gratificante ver cómo Kemmy Law es un bufete familiar, con el padre, Thomas, cuatro hijos y una nuera, la esposa de Nick, trabajando juntos. Si está buscando representación legal, recomiendo de todo corazón y sin reservas a Kemmy Law.
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Este bufete de abogados es profesional, diligente y se preocupa por sus clientes. Logró resolver nuestra demanda en la primera ronda de mediación. Estuvimos bien informados sobre el proceso y supimos qué esperar. El personal nos mantuvo informados y respondió de manera oportuna a toda la correspondencia.
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All of our clients have families of their own. They are decent, hardworking people, and come to us with complex business issues or because their lives have been changed by a catastrophic injury.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome & Filing a Claim
Comprehensive Information for Victims of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome Misdiagnoses
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) is a serious and potentially life-altering neurological condition caused by a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1). It can arise from various medical and lifestyle factors, but the consequences can be catastrophic when healthcare professionals fail to diagnose or treat the condition in time. Our Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome lawyers provide detailed, compassionate guidance for individuals and families impacted by WKS due to medical negligence.
If you suspect that misdiagnosis or delayed treatment led to worsening WKS symptoms for you or a loved one, Kemmy Law Firm, P.C. is here to help.
Do You Have a Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome Lawsuit?
A Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome lawsuit may be viable if a healthcare provider failed to diagnose or treat the condition promptly, resulting in significant harm. Victims of medical negligence in these cases often experience preventable complications because their symptoms were mistakenly attributed to other conditions like intoxication, dementia, or withdrawal.
Kemmy Law Firm, P.C. works with medical experts to thoroughly investigate whether a delay in diagnosis or improper care played a role in worsening the condition. If negligence is proven, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility to file a claim, contact our team for a free consultation to discuss the details of your situation.
What is the Most Common Cause of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome?
The most common cause of WKS, besides alcohol abuse, is prolonged hospitalization without sufficient nutritional support.
Other common causes include:
- Severe malnutrition from an underlying illness;
- Gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn’s disease or complications from surgeries (e.g., bariatric surgery) that limit nutrient absorption
- Prolonged vomiting due to illness or pregnancy
- Failing to administer thiamine before and during glucose infusions in hospitals
- Failing to provide sufficient IV parenteral nutrition during hospitalization.
Medical professionals must consider these risk factors when evaluating patients showing symptoms of WKS. Failure to do so could constitute negligence.
Is Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome Preventable?
Yes, Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is largely preventable through proper medical care and nutritional management. Administering thiamine supplementation at the first signs of deficiency or in high-risk situations, such as during treatment for chronic alcoholism or post-surgery, can prevent the progression of the condition.
Healthcare providers must monitor at-risk patients closely, address symptoms promptly, and ensure sufficient nutritional support. If they fail to recognize or treat early symptoms and the condition advances to the irreversible Korsakoff stage, they may be held accountable for medical negligence.
When Is Wernicke’s Misdiagnosis Medical Malpractice?
Misdiagnosis of Wernicke’s Encephalopathy can amount to medical malpractice if a doctor’s delay in identifying or treating the condition results in harm that could have been avoided with timely intervention.
Common scenarios of negligence include:
- Failing to screen for thiamine deficiency in high-risk patients
- Misattributing symptoms like confusion or ataxia to other conditions, such as intoxication or psychiatric disorders
- Delaying the administration of thiamine in medical emergencies
- Neglecting to provide nutritional counseling or supplementation after procedures like bariatric surgery
If negligence caused the condition to worsen or led to complications, victims may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
