Diario de Alcoholismo y Drogodependencia
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abstracto

A Case Report on Deficiency Encephalopathy: What if it is only One Symptom of a Systemic Inflammatory Disease?

M.R. Bagnato , M. Pierantozzi

Background: Vitamin deficiencies are systemic conditions that can involve the central nervous system, with varying clinical pictures. In particular, B vitamins are crucial for metabolism in the brain.

They may present with a subacute clinical picture and a sudden worsening. In the case of B1 deficiency with Wernicke's encephalopathy, the classic triad of symptoms is not always observed, making diagnosis more difficult. In addition to the prompt recognition of a deficiency encephalopathy, it is essential to identify the cause of the vitamin deficiency. Deficiency of these can be traced to gastro-intestinal disorders, unbalanced diets, and alcohol abuse.

Case presentation: The clinical case below discusses an adult woman who presents acutely-subacutely with neurological disorders attributable to vitamin depletion, confusion, ataxia, aphasia and ophtalmoparesis. In addition to the diagnosis of this neurological condition, the cornerstone of this clinical case is the identification of the pathology underlying this vitamin depletion.

Conclusion: In the case of dysimmune diseases of the gastro-intestinal system that damage the ileum, a vitamin deficiency can occur. If unresolved, it can lead to severe and irreversible effects on brain function. This clinical case shows how rarely, a neurological condition can be the most striking symptom of a neglected and undiagnosed systemic pathology. The importance of knowing and recognizing these situations is crucial not only in terms of cerebral prognosis, but also for the overall well-being of the individual with respect to the underlying pathology.