Wernicke's encephalopathy in a patient with masticator and parapharyngeal space abscess: a case report.
10.5125/jkaoms.2016.42.2.120
- Author:
Young Jai CHIN
1
;
Kyu Ho YOON
;
Kwan Soo PARK
;
Jae An PARK
;
Min Ho WOO
Author Information
1. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. OMS_kspark@paik.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Wernicke encephalopathy;
Malnutrition;
Masticator space and parapharyngeal space abscess;
Parenteral nutrition
- MeSH:
Abscess*;
Aged;
Eating;
Female;
Humans;
Malnutrition;
Nutritional Support;
Parenteral Nutrition;
Thiamine Deficiency;
Wernicke Encephalopathy*
- From:Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
2016;42(2):120-122
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Wernicke's encephalopathy is a fatal neurological disease caused by thiamine deficiency. Many reports indicate that Wernicke's encephalopathy is caused by malnutrition. We report the case of a 79-year-old female patient who had a left masticator space and parapharyngeal space abscess who was diagnosed with Wernicke's encephalopathy. She reported problems while eating due to the presence of the abscess, but the true quantities of food she was ingesting were never assessed. Clinicians have a responsibility to provide adequate nutritional support by ensuring that patients receive adequate nutrition. Clinicians should also keep in mind that Wernicke's encephalopathy may occur in patients who experienced prolonged periods of malnutrition.
