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Wernicke’s encephalopathy in a patient with masticator and parapharyngeal space abscess: a case report

Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons / Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, (P)2234-7550; (E)2234-5930
2016, v.42 no.2, pp.120-122
Young-Jai Chin (Sanggye Paik Hospital)
Kyu-Ho Yoon (Sanggye Paik Hospital)
Kwan-Soo Park (Sanggye Paik Hospital)
Jae-An Park (Sanggye Paik Hospital)
Min-Ho Woo (Sanggye Paik Hospital)

Abstract

Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a fatal neurological disease caused by thiamine deficiency. Many reports indicate that Wernicke’s encephalopathy is caused by malnutrition. We report the case of a 79-year-old female patient who had a left masticator space and parapharyngeal space abscess who was diagnosed with Wernicke’s encephalopathy. She reported problems while eating due to the presence of the abscess, but the true quantities of food she was ingesting were never assessed. Clinicians have a responsibility to provide adequate nutritional support by ensuring that patients receive adequate nutrition. Clinicians should also keep in mind that Wernicke’s encephalopathy may occur in patients who experienced prolonged periods of malnutri-tion.

keywords
Wernicke encephalopathy, Malnutrition, Masticator space and parapharyngeal space abscess, Parenteral nutrition

Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons