Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is a serious brain disorder that combines acute confusion and severe memory problems. It is caused by severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, most commonly from chronic alcohol use disorder or severe malnutrition. The Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) LC/MS/MS test is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly measures the vitamin deficiency responsible for this neurological condition.
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Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is caused by severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. Chronic alcohol use disorder is the most common cause because alcohol interferes with thiamine absorption in the intestines, increases thiamine excretion through urine, and impairs how the liver stores this essential vitamin. Other causes include severe malnutrition, prolonged vomiting, eating disorders like anorexia, gastrointestinal diseases that affect nutrient absorption, and complications from bariatric surgery. The brain requires thiamine to produce energy and function properly, so when levels drop critically low, brain cells become damaged, leading to the confusion, memory loss, and coordination problems characteristic of this syndrome.
The Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) LC/MS/MS test is the most important test for Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome because it directly measures thiamine levels in your blood using highly accurate liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry technology. This test provides objective evidence of the severe vitamin B1 deficiency that causes this brain disorder, helping doctors distinguish it from other conditions that cause confusion and memory problems. Low thiamine levels confirm the diagnosis and guide immediate treatment with high-dose thiamine supplementation, which can halt disease progression and potentially reverse some symptoms if started early. Since symptoms of thiamine deficiency can overlap with many other neurological conditions, this specific blood test is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
You should get tested if you have a history of heavy alcohol use and experience sudden confusion, severe memory problems, difficulty walking or maintaining balance, vision changes like double vision or abnormal eye movements, or difficulty forming new memories. Testing is also important if you have severe malnutrition, an eating disorder, have undergone bariatric surgery, or have chronic vomiting that could lead to vitamin deficiencies. Early detection through blood testing is critical because this is a medical emergency—without prompt thiamine treatment, the brain damage can become permanent. If you notice any combination of confusion, memory loss, and coordination problems, especially with a history of alcohol use or nutritional problems, seek medical attention and request thiamine testing immediately.
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What this means
Your testosterone levels are slightly below the optimal range. While this is not necessarily cause for concern, it may contribute to occasional fatigue, reduced motivation, or lower muscle mass over time.
Recommended actions
Increase resistance or strength training
Prioritize 7–8 hours of quality sleep per night, try to reduce stress
Include more zinc- and magnesium-rich foods (like shellfish, beef, pumpkin seeds, spinach)
Consider retesting in 3–6 months
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