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What Does Wet Brain Mean?

Wet Brain, a term that might sound a bit strange, actually refers to a serious condition caused by severe alcohol abuse. It is not just about having one too many drinks; it’s a dangerous consequence of prolonged alcohol misuse that affects the brain’s ability to function properly. This condition can lead to memory problems, confusion, and even permanent brain damage if left untreated. While we often focus on the immediate effects of alcohol, it’s important to be aware of the long-term impacts it can have on our health. Knowing about Wet Brain can help us as LGBTQ+ people make informed choices about drinking and support our friends who might be struggling with alcohol use. Let’s dig into what Wet Brain really means, how it develops, and what steps can be taken to prevent it. 

What Is Wet Brain Syndrome?

Wet brain, or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome caused by alcohol use, is a type of brain damage caused by low levels of thiamine. Thiamine also known as vitamin B1 is an important nutrient for brain health and has severe impacts on the brain when deficiencies occur. While thiamine deficiencies can occur from starvation, they are usually caused by heavy alcohol use.

Alcohol affects how the body absorbs thiamine, and individuals who misuse alcohol are also frequently malnourished, further increasing the problem. Thiamine deficiency causes inflammation called Wernicke encephalopathy. This inflammation leads to permanent damage called Korsakoff syndrome.

Wet Brain Stages

There are two stages to a wet brain. The early stage of wet brain is known as Wernicke encephalopathy and is more intense but reversible. The late sage, called Korsakoff syndrome, is permanent.

  • Wernicke Encephalopathy

Wernicke encephalopathy is the early stage of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This stage occurs due to inflammation that happens in the brain, and is a temporary condition. Either Wernicke encephalopathy will transition into the second stage of wet brain and cause permanent brain damage, or it will be treated and resolved without causing damage. Wernicke encephalopathy can also result in death and is considered the most dangerous stage of wet brain for quickly causing coma and death.

  • Korsakoff Psychosis

Korsakoff psychosis, also called Korsakoff syndrome, is the late stage of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This stage of wet brain leads to permanent brain damage that cannot be treated. While Korsakoff psychosis is less likely to cause a coma or death than Wernicke encephalopathy, it is a form of brain damage that will normally require someone to be constantly taken care of.

Signs And Symptoms Of Wet Brain

The symptoms of wet brain vary based on whether it is in the early stage or in the later stage.

Signs and Symptoms of Wernicke Encephalopathy

The symptoms of Wernicke encephalopathy include several symptoms. There is a “triad” of three symptoms considered to almost always occur with Wernicke encephalopathy. These include:

  • Altered mental status
  • Difficulty walking normally
  • Abnormalities in eye movement

Other signs of Wernicke encephalopathy include:

  • Confusion
  • Delirium
  • Memory problems
  • Decreased body temperature
  • Tremors
  • Coma

Signs and Symptoms of Korsakoff Psychosis

Korsakoff psychosis symptoms are permanent and mainly affect memory and perception of reality. Symptoms of Korsakoff psychosis include:

  • Confusion
  • Memory loss, especially difficulty forming new memories
  • Difficulty learning new skills
  • Personality changes
  • Difficulty concentrating

People with Korsakoff psychosis usually experience confabulation, a condition in which a person subconsciously makes new memories to fill in gaps in the memory. An individual with confabulation will often repeat these made-up memories, thinking they are real. This gives them the appearance of lying when it is actually related to their brain damage.

How Does Drinking Cause Wet Brain Syndrome?

Wet brain syndrome (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome) is a result of nutritional deficiencies most commonly brought on by chronic heavy drinking. 

To function properly, the brain requires a certain amount of the vitamin thiamine. A thiamine deficiency essentially prevents the brain from getting energy. This is due to the fact that without thiamine the brain cannot process glucose. 

When the brain doesn’t get the glucose it needs to run properly as the result of a thiamine deficiency, the person will start to develop symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome such as memory loss or impaired coordination. 

Alcoholism causes thiamine deficiencies over a prolonged period because alcohol reduces the body’s ability to absorb thiamine through the gastrointestinal tract. Over time, the body will absorb less thiamine as a result of excessive alcohol consumption. 

In addition to this biological factor, many heavy consumers of alcohol have lifestyles that can contribute to thiamine deficiency, such as a poor diet lacking essential nutrients. Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as irregular eating or eating low-nutrient foods, as is common for people with active alcoholism, can exacerbate the thiamine deficiency caused by consuming too much alcohol.

How Dangerous Is Wet Brain?

In serious cases, wet brain can result in death. If untreated, it can also result in permanent brain damage that cannot be reversed, even if alcohol use is stopped and thiamine levels are fully replaced. Even with its dangerous effects, wet brain can be reversed if it is caught and treated early. Initially, it leads to inflammation in the brain. If thiamine is given in these initial stages, this syndrome can be quickly reversed. As the condition progresses, however, the inflammation results in permanent damage. This cannot be reversed, even with treatment and alcohol cessation.

Preventing Wet Brain Syndrome

Wet brain syndrome occurs particularly in heavy consumers of alcohol who have been drinking excessively for a long period. This condition is less common than other forms of physical damage from alcohol, but it’s extraordinarily devastating to sufferers. People in the early stages of wet brain syndrome need fast treatment to prevent the progression of the disease, and even when they do receive treatment (which is sometimes rare), they must abstain from alcohol if they want to prevent the final stages of wet brain syndrome: Korsakoff psychosis. 

Unfortunately, this is an unlikely scenario for individuals who reach this stage of chronic alcohol use. The best way to prevent wet brain is to avoid it altogether by treating alcoholism before it reaches this point.

Get Help For Alcohol Addiction At Inspire Recovery

At Inspire Recovery, we offer comprehensive and evidence-based care to help LGBTQ+ individuals overcome their addiction to alcohol and achieve lasting recovery. We offer medical detoxification for alcoholism, a critical component of treatment for alcoholism, as the withdrawal symptoms can be severe and potentially life-threatening. Our medical team closely monitors patients during detox and provides medication and other interventions as needed to ensure their comfort and safety. If you or your LGBTQ+ loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, don’t hesitate to call us today at 561-899-6088. Our staff are here to help you take the first step towards a healthier and a happier life.

A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, including thiamine, plays a crucial role in preventing Wet Brain. Individuals who misuse alcohol often have poor diets, leading to thiamine deficiency and subsequent brain damage. Ensuring adequate intake of thiamine through food or supplements can help maintain brain health and prevent the onset of Wet Brain. Alongside moderating alcohol consumption, a nutritious diet is key to reducing the risk.

Unfortunately, once Wet Brain progresses to Korsakoff psychosis, the brain damage is permanent and cannot be reversed. However, early intervention during the Wernicke encephalopathy stage can prevent this progression. While treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, the emphasis should be on early detection and treatment to avoid irreversible damage.

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