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Warning-sign checks

Gayet-wernicke syndrome: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency medical help for sudden or worsening confusion, severe unsteadiness, abnormal eye movements, double vision, marked drowsiness, collapse, a seizure, or loss of consciousness.

    This is especially important if the person has been vomiting, eating very little, losing substantial weight, or drinking heavily.

    Stay with them if it is safe to do so, and tell emergency staff about recent food intake, vomiting, surgery, alcohol use, and any supplements or medicines.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange prompt, non-emergency medical review for ongoing poor appetite, repeated vomiting, unexplained weight loss, increasing forgetfulness, or gradual balance problems.

    These symptoms have many possible causes, but nutritional deficiency should be considered.

The article also says

Do not assume that confusion in someone who drinks alcohol is simply intoxication.

Alcohol withdrawal, head injury, low blood sugar, infection, and Gayet-Wernicke syndrome can look similar and may occur together.

Someone who is confused or unable to walk safely should not drive.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Gayet-wernicke syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.