Did you know that researchers call Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, the “anti-stress” vitamin? However, its benefits do not stop there.
Vitamin B1 also helps with things such as:
- Prevention of memory loss
- Your ability to learn
- Maintaining a positive attitude
Thiamine is also used to treat the following:
- Heart disease
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Metabolic disorders
- Canker sores
- Motion sickness
- Aging
Research also suggests that Vitamin B1 could help those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or obesity.
For more on the dietary sources of thiamine, please see our previous post, “What Are the Causes of Thiamine Deficiency?“
What is the risk?
The elderly, people addicted to alcohol, people who have recently undergone surgery, and anyone who uses diuretics are at a particularly high risk of Vitamin B1 deficiency. In fact, anyone whose body fails to absorb this essential vitamin appropriately could experience the symptoms, which include:
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Backache
- Uncooperative behavior
- Weakness
- Agitation
- Pain sensitivity
- Fearfulness
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Sonophobia (a fear of loud noises)
- Muscular atrophy
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Myalgia (over-stretching or overuse of muscles)
Thiamine Deficiency and Medical Malpractice
Serious Vitamin B1 deficiency can cause extensive damage to your body, including a condition known as Wernicke’s encephalopathy. This condition is largely characterized by memory loss. Without timely and adequate medical intervention, Wernicke’s disease could develop into a life-altering condition called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which causes memory loss, confusion and inability to balance.
The treatment for thiamine deficiency includes Vitamin B1 taken intravenously or by mouth. However, in far too many cases, medical professionals fail to diagnose thiamine deficiency and administer the simple remedy: a shot.
If your doctor fails to diagnose your thiamine deficiency in a timely manner and you develop a serious condition as a result, your life could change forever. Your ability to work, retain memories and otherwise enjoy your life could suffer.
This area of medical malpractice requires an attorney who understands the importance of thiamine, the symptoms of deficiency, and the health consequences of conditions such as Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. If the evidence suggests that your doctor failed to provide you with the appropriate standard of care by failing to take the time to diagnose you properly, a lawsuit might be appropriate. Successfully establishing that your care was subpar could provide you with the compensation you need to manage your condition.
