A 60-year-old man with chronic alcohol use presents with progressive confusion, ataxia and nystagmus. He has a low BMI and poor diet. What is the most...

Question

A 60-year-old man with chronic alcohol use presents with progressive confusion, ataxia and nystagmus. He has a low BMI and poor diet. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous thiamine before any glucose administration

Answer

Intravenous glucose followed by thiamine

Answer

Oral multivitamins only

Answer

Start diazepam for presumed alcohol withdrawal only

Answer

No specific treatment is required

au-acem MCQ (SBA): Wernicke encephalopathy

A 60-year-old man with chronic alcohol use presents with progressive confusion, ataxia and nystagmus. He has a low BMI and poor diet. What is the most appropriate immediate management?