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Overview
Wernicke's causes confusion, unsteady walking, and eye movement problems.
A blood test can check levels.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayConfusion, trouble walking, or eye movement problems: get emergency care.
See a doctor soonSymptoms or a low test result.
Causes
Causes include heavy drinking, poor diet, and weight-loss surgery.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause low thiamine (vitamin b1), or heavy drinking with poor eating. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiencySee a doctor if it doesn't get better
Low thiamine can cause tiredness, numb or burning feet, weak legs, and swelling.
What you can do at home
- Eat foods rich in thiamine (vitamin B1): whole grains, pork, beans
- Take supplements only as your provider advises.
Medicines
Supplements or shots, depending on the cause.
At the doctor
Blood tests check levels.
Questions you may be asked
- Diet
- Alcohol
- Medicines
- Digestive problems
The exam
A physical exam.
Tests
- Blood test
Prevention
Eat a varied diet.
- Balanced meals
- Limit alcohol
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.