What Is Wet Brain?

5 minute read

Wet brain, scientifically known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), is a condition characterized by significant brain damage often caused by excessive consumption of alcohol. If left untreated, it can lead to hallucinations and confusion and may even be fatal.

What Is Wet Brain?

Wet brain is a condition due to severe thiamine depletion and malnutrition. The brain requires a particular amount of thiamine to function properly. Thiamine is a vitamin that helps your cells generate energy from carbohydrates. Because the brain and nervous system require carbohydrates to work properly, your cognitive functioning can become significantly impaired when you don’t receive enough.

When WKS occurs, lesions appear on the brain that cause significant impairment in memory, learning, and the physical ability to function. Up to 14% of those who chronically misuse alcohol may eventually receive a diagnosis of WKS. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome may develop within a few weeks to several months, depending on how quickly thiamine levels are depleted in the brain.

The Social Stigma Surrounding Wet Brain

Although many people use the term “wet brain” to describe Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, it is an outdated phrase that stigmatizes people who develop this condition. This term suggests that those with WKS choose to get it. You cannot willfully develop Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. It is a complex condition with several underlying factors. Two people may have very similar patterns of drinking, and while one may go on to develop WKS, the other may not. This stigma surrounding the condition makes it more difficult for people to seek the help they need to treat WKS before it becomes irreversible.

Symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

Symptom severity associated with WKS is dependent upon the stage of the disease. The physical and cognitive symptoms associated with the first stage are less severe than the second. However, they are still distinct and serious enough to cause significant issues. These symptoms include:

  • Confusion
  • Apathy
  • Changes in heart rate
  • Difficulty standing and walking
  • Vision disturbances
  • Eye movement dysfunction
  • Cognitive processing difficulties

The typical symptoms may seem similar to those of intoxication, even if the person is not drinking. Without proper treatment, Wernicke’s encephalopathy will progress into Korsakoff psychosis. Korsakoff psychosis is a form of neuropsychiatric dementia that significantly affects a person’s ability to function and take care of themselves. These symptoms include:

  • Amnesia
  • Hallucinations
  • Changes in behavior
  • Anger and agitation
  • Disorientation
  • Personality changes
  • Memory loss
  • Impaired balance and coordination

There is a high mortality rate and poor prognosis associated with Korsakoff psychosis, and those diagnosed have a much shorter life expectancy than those in the general population, with the prognosis worsening with age. Although the amount of alcohol consumption necessary for developing either condition is uncertain, it is mostly dependent on how quickly thiamine levels diminish over time.

How Is It Diagnosed?

One of the issues with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (wet brain) is that many providers miss the window of diagnosis because incoherent thought and communication are also signs of protracted withdrawal and intoxication. Those with alcohol use disorder that progress to this point of severity are unlikely to receive the help they need. A proper diagnosis can be given after reviewing a patient’s history, conducting a thorough clinical evaluation, and undergoing imaging scans to look for changes that indicate WKS. A doctor will also order lab work to check blood sugar, electrolytes, and thiamine levels.

man suffering from hallucinations due to wet brain

Who Is at Risk for Wet Brain Syndrome?

Alcohol use disorders cause thiamine deficiency because alcohol reduces your ability to absorb thiamine properly. If you continue to drink excessively, then your body will absorb less thiamine as a result. Poor nutrition, malabsorption disorders, repeated vomiting, and chronic alcohol abuse are contributing factors to wet brain. Because those affected by alcohol use disorder do not usually eat a nutritionally balanced diet and may vomit repeatedly, they are the primary group affected by Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

The Stages of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome has two distinct stages. Although the first stage can be reversed if help is sought quickly, it often progresses into the second stage.

Stage 1

The first stage of wet brain is called Wernicke’s encephalopathy. During this stage, biochemical lesions appear on the brain due to the depletion of B-vitamin reserves, including thiamine. Poor reflexes, balance, muscle weakness, and confusion are common signs of this condition. If Wernicke’s encephalopathy is recognized and quickly treated, it may be reversible, and you can regain normal functioning.

Final Stage

If you do not receive proper treatment, then it will progress to the second stage, called Korsakoff psychosis. At this point, this condition becomes irreversible and debilitating. Because most people who are diagnosed with Wernicke’s encephalopathy do not receive swift treatment at the earliest stage, over 80% of them will progress to Korsakoff psychosis. This condition causes profound cognitive and neurological impairment, including difficulty walking, confusion, and an inability to care for oneself. Although treatment can manage symptoms, the resulting brain damage is permanent and severe. It can also be fatal.

Can Wet Brain Be Reversed?

If caught early enough, wet brain is reversible. How quickly you receive treatment and the level of damage done can significantly impact your prognosis. Symptoms can improve within 12 days of administering thiamine supplementation. It is also helpful to abstain from alcohol while undergoing treatment. After treatment, you can expect less confusion, better coordination and eye function, and decreased memory problems. However, most of those who develop the first stage progress to the second stage because it is not often caught in time to be reversible. Although a full recovery is possible, it is uncommon. Another reason why recovery is difficult is because those living with severe alcohol use disorder are unlikely to abstain from alcohol to prevent Korsakoff psychosis.

If you are living with alcohol use disorder, you don’t have to battle it on your own. Footprints to Recovery offers comprehensive, evidence-backed treatment to help you take your life back from alcohol. You can learn how to live free from addiction and develop the tools needed for a newly sober life. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs.

Evan Gove
David Szarka
Author Evan Gove
Medically Reviewed by David Szarka, MA, LCADC
Are you covered for addiction treatment? Find your insurance
We're Here 24/7
Call right now to chat about:

Questions about treatment options?

Our admissions team is available 24/7 to listen to your story and help you get started with the next steps.