Wernicke's encephalopathy

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Wernicke's encephalopathy (ver-nik-ĕz) n. mental confusion or delirium occurring in combination with paralysis of the eye muscles, nystagmus, and an unsteady gait. It is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1 and is most commonly seen in alcoholics and in patients with persistent vomiting or an unbalanced diet. [ K. Wernicke (1848–1905), German neurologist]