Wernicke's Encephalopathy as a Rare Complication of Hyperemesis Gravidarum: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Wernicke's Encephalopathy Associated With Transient Gestational Hyperthyroidism and Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is a potentially reversible yet severe neurological manifestation caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. It is commonly associated with heavy alcohol consumption. Other rare causes include severe and prolonged vomiting, starvation, and prolonged intravenous feeding. WE patients usually present with the triad of ocular signs, ataxia, and confusion. In non-alcoholic patients, the full classic triad develops in 10-16% of cases. Characteristic MRI findings and clinical response to thiamine confirm the diagnosis. In this report, we present a case of WE in the setting of transient gestational hyperthyroidism and hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).