A 25-year-old man not too long ago approached Hyderabad-based neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar with alarming signs — blurred and double imaginative and prescient, unsteady gait, forgetfulness, and confusion all creating inside three days. Sharing the case on X, Dr Kumar wrote, “I not too long ago met a 25-year-old man who got here to me with uncommon complaints — blurred imaginative and prescient, double imaginative and prescient, problem strolling, and forgetfulness that had developed over simply three days. He appeared anxious and confused, and his unsteady gait was hanging.”
When questioned about his current medical historical past, the affected person revealed that he had undergone bariatric (weight reduction) surgical procedure simply three weeks earlier. Since then, he had been on a extremely restricted weight-reduction plan, barely capable of eat and struggling to take dietary dietary supplements. Dr Kumar famous, “Given his signs and up to date surgical procedure, I suspected a dietary deficiency affecting the mind. His MRI scan revealed attribute modifications within the periaqueductal area and mammillary our bodies — classical findings of a neurological situation referred to as Wernicke’s encephalopathy.”
A Uncommon however Preventable Complication after Weight Loss Surgical procedure▶️I not too long ago met a 25-year-old man who got here to me with uncommon complaints-blurred imaginative and prescient, double imaginative and prescient, problem strolling, and forgetfulness that had developed over simply three days. He appeared anxious and confused,… pic.twitter.com/ZV0QFAeHjL
— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) November 11, 2025
Explaining the analysis, Dr Kumar wrote, “Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) is a neurological emergency attributable to a extreme deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B₁). Thiamine is crucial for mind vitality metabolism, and its deficiency can shortly injury areas of the mind chargeable for reminiscence, coordination, and eye actions.” Whereas this situation is mostly seen in folks with continual alcoholism, it may possibly additionally develop after bariatric surgical procedure, extended vomiting, hunger, or sure infections.
Immediate intervention proved lifesaving on this case. “We instantly began the affected person on high-dose intravenous thiamine injections, adopted by oral supplementation. Inside days, his imaginative and prescient improved, stability returned, and reminiscence turned clearer — a outstanding restoration that highlighted the significance of early analysis and immediate thiamine remedy,” Dr Kumar shared.
How does thiamine deficiency have an effect on mind operate so shortly, and why is it particularly widespread after bariatric surgical procedure or excessive dietary restriction?
Dr Jagdish Chattnalli, senior minimal invasive mind and backbone surgeon, Bengaluru West Clinics, HCG Hospitals Bengaluru, tells indianexpress.com, “Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is crucial for changing glucose into vitality inside mind cells. Because the mind relies upon virtually solely on glucose for gasoline, a thiamine deficiency can quickly disrupt its vitality metabolism. When thiamine ranges fall, neurons are unable to operate effectively, resulting in swelling, oxidative stress, and finally, cell injury.”
After bariatric surgical procedure or throughout extended dietary restriction, he says, the danger will increase as a result of meals consumption is diminished and nutrient absorption within the intestines is commonly compromised. In such conditions, even a brief interval of poor consumption or vomiting can shortly deplete thiamine shops. The mind, being extremely energy-dependent, is among the many first organs to indicate the results, which is why signs can develop inside days.
Early neurological warning indicators folks ought to be careful for after main weight reduction or dietary modifications
Dr Chattnalli states that early warning indicators embody “persistent fatigue, irritability, confusion, poor reminiscence, blurred or double imaginative and prescient, imbalance whereas strolling, or unsteadiness.” Generally, folks might dismiss these as weak spot or dehydration, however these may very well be early indicators of thiamine deficiency affecting the mind.Story continues under this advert
Particular nutritional vitamins and minerals that post-bariatric sufferers ought to prioritise
“The important thing nutritional vitamins and minerals that want common supplementation embody thiamine (vitamin B₁), vitamin B₁₂, folate, iron, calcium, and vitamin D. Thiamine supplementation is especially vital within the first six months post-surgery, when sufferers are most susceptible as a consequence of restricted consumption and frequent vomiting,” says Dr Chattnalli.
Dietary follow-ups ought to ideally happen each three to 6 months through the first yr and at the least yearly thereafter. Common follow-up, coupled with a balanced weight-reduction plan and adherence to prescribed dietary supplements, can be certain that sufferers benefit from the long-term advantages of weight reduction with out neurological dangers.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on info from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
