If you or a loved one experienced permanent brain damage due to a severe B1/thiamine deficiency after bariatric surgery, you may be entitled to financial compensation. This can occur if your medical provider failed to monitor, diagnose, or treat you for Wernicke’s Encephalopathy. Our Wernicke-Korsakoff lawyer can help you determine if you have a medical malpractice claim.
Wernicke’s encephalopathy is caused by a vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. It is usually caused by excessive alcohol consumption and/or improper nutrition. We often see this in those with mental health conditions, eating disorders, and the elderly.
Additionally, it can occur during chemotherapy and cancer treatments. It can also accompany kidney and stomach disorders, and certain whole-body conditions like AIDS or severe infections.
Unfortunately, this dangerous lack of vitamin B1 is also a known risk following bariatric surgery (particularly gastric bypass).
Symptoms of Wernicke’s Encephalopathy can take a long time to show up. Additionally, they are typically as severe as the level of vitamin B1 deficiency. Symptoms and related medical conditions include:
If left untreated, Wernicke’s can progress to Korsakoff syndrome. Korsakoff presents as increased confusion, memory loss, and results in permanent brain damage.
Wernicke’s symptoms are reversible with the proper recognition and treatment (high doses of B1). Conversely, Korsakoff-level brain damage is not reversible.
For about 20% of people who develop Wernicke’s Encephalopathy, it is a potentially fatal condition. Once it reaches full presentation, patients are in a consistent state of confusion. They often lack emotional or cognitive responses, similar to dementia.
The progression of Wernicke’s Encephalopathy into permanent brain damage is primarily due to a lack of proper risk assessment and monitoring following bariatric procedures. The bariatric surgeon and other doctors involved in post-operative and long-term care are responsible for monitoring patients to ensure they receive adequate nutrition, including thiamine/B1.
This is particularly disturbing because the treatment for Wernicke’s Encephalopathy is simple and easy to administer. Additionally, it produces little to no negative side effects when administered unnecessarily or in excess. The failure to give thiamine/B1, especially when other symptoms are present, is simply negligence.
Determining whether you have a case involves examining the specific details of your situation. Some key considerations include:
At Van Wey & Metzler, we are committed to fighting for justice and holding negligent healthcare providers accountable. We have more than forty years of experience handling complex medical malpractice cases, including those involving Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome.
If you or a loved one has suffered from Wernicke’s Encephalopathy due to medical negligence, contact our trusted medical malpractice attorneys today. Schedule a free consultation. We are here to help you seek justice and secure the compensation you deserve.
When you become our client, you become part of the Van Wey & Metzler family, and you receive responsive communication and support throughout your case.
We represent clients from all across the United States. If you or a loved one has been injured by medical negligence of a healthcare provider or facility, contact us now for a free consultation.
