3 Things to Know about Thiamine Deficiency

There are certain vitamins the human body needs to function properly. Thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1, is one of these essentials. Without the proper level of thiamine in the body, a person can develop very serious medical problems, which can continue to affect someone for the rest of their life. All medical professionals should know this and should be on the lookout for signs of thiamine deficiency.
At Davis & Davis, we represent those affected by thiamine deficiency, which could have easily been prevented had medical professionals paid attention to the signs and symptoms. In this post, we will shed some light on some of the top things to know about thiamine deficiency. No. 1: Thiamine deficiency can lead to brain damage
A Vitamin B1 deficiency can cause Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. These are both medical conditions affecting the brain. The problem is that when Wernicke’s encephalopathy goes untreated, the problems can be severe and irreversible. Suddenly, a once healthy person is now living with a disability.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome — also known as Korsakoff psychosis — tends to develop after Wernicke’s encephalopathy goes away. Wernicke’s encephalopathy is what causes the damage to the brain and Korsakoff psychosis is the result of the damage to the brain.
No. 2: Certain patients are at a higher risk for developing a thiamine deficiency
While any patient can develop this nutritional deficiency, those who recently went through bariatric or gastrointestinal surgery are at a particularly high risk.
Doctors and medical staff are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of thiamine deficiency. These symptoms include, but are not limited to, apathy, short-term memory issues, concentration problems and a loss of balance. Confusion and a loss of mental activity can also lead to coma and death. It is up to the doctors to recognize these signs and take action quickly.
No. 3: A delayed diagnosis may be reason for a lawsuit>
When a delayed diagnosis leads to a delay in treatment, the aftermath can be devastating to the patient and their family. All too often, people are left wondering just how this could happen and what can be done now.
While sadly nothing can turn back the hands of time, it may still be possible to hold the medical professionals accountable for their negligence and failure to react in a timely manner. An attorney can help explain your rights and guide you through the process for holding negligent parties accountable.