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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- If you have obesity surgery, it is crucial for you to take your prescribed vitamin supplements and watch for symptoms such as vomiting, confusion, lack of coordination and visual changes.
These could be signs of a serious neurological condition called Wernicke encephalopathy. The syndrome affects the brain and nervous system when patients don't get enough vitamin B1, also known as thiamine.
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A new study reveals the syndrome most often occurs in patients who vomit frequently after weight loss surgery, like gastric bypass surgery, usually within one to three months after the procedure. It can develop when patients stop taking their vitamins or when frequent vomiting keeps them from absorbing the supplements.
Researchers reviewed scientific literature for the 32 reported cases of Wernicke encephalopathy occurring after bariatric surgery. They found many of the patients also had neurological symptoms not typical of the syndrome, like seizures, deafness, psychosis, muscle weakness, and pain or numbness in the feet or hands.
The authors say if you have any of these symptoms after weight loss surgery, you need to see a doctor immediately.
"There are more than 170,000 obesity surgeries performed annually in the United States, and this neurological condition, known as Wernicke encephalopathy, is increasingly being reported after the operation," reports lead author Sonal Singh, M.D., from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Patients are usually given vitamin B1 through an IV or injection to treat the condition. Of the 32 reported cases of Wernicke encephalopathy, researchers report 13 made a full recovery. Many patients kept having symptoms like memory problems, weakness, or difficulty coordinating movement.
While some doctors prescribe thiamine supplementation after bariatric surgery, Dr. Singh recommends national standards be set for all doctors to follow.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: NEUROLOGY, 2007;68:807-811
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