Wet brain syndrome is a form of brain damage that can result from excessive alcohol consumption. It usually develops after long-term, heavy drinking. If wet brain symptoms are noticed early on, it’s possible to reverse the damage. Left untreated, however, can cause a person to experience lasting brain damage.
Wet brain syndrome is just one of the many ways in which alcohol addiction can negatively impact a person’s health and well-being.
The Bluffs offers inpatient drug and alcohol addiction treatment services. Call 850.374.5331 for more information on addiction treatment at The Bluffs.
What Is Wet Brain Syndrome?
Excessive alcohol consumption takes a heavy toll on many parts of the body. Most people are aware that alcohol use can lead to liver damage. Less commonly known is its ability to cause brain damage.
Wet brain syndrome is an alternative name for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS). Wet brain begins with damage to parts of the brain called the thalamus and hypothalamus. This leads to wet brain syndrome symptoms like:
- Loss of muscle coordination
- Difficulties with vision
- Irregular eye movements
- Confusion
As the condition progresses, a person begins to experience increasing effects on cognitive function, like difficulties with memory and thinking skills. Eventually, the condition can lead to an inability to function normally.
Common Wet Brain Syndrome Symptoms and Signs
Alcohol addiction has a serious impact on all levels of health. When a loved one has been consuming large amounts of alcohol for a long time, it can be difficult to tell when their behavior is a natural consequence of alcohol consumption and when it indicates the threat of lasting brain damage.
It takes a professional diagnosis to identify whether wet brain is impacting an individual. However, there are certain signs of wet brain you should know to watch for. Some of the most common include:
- Cognitive issues with memory or concentration
- Loss of muscle control
- Other muscular issues like leg tremors
- Visual problems or irregular eye movement
- Drooping eyelids
- Low blood pressure or hypothermia
In addition to these common cognitive and physical signs, it’s not uncommon to notice behavioral changes with wet brain syndrome. Individuals developing wet brain may tell lies or fabricate stories. It’s also common to see increased levels of frustration and resistance.
Getting Help for Wet Brain Symptoms
If you notice signs of wet brain, don’t hesitate to get help. This brain disorder will worsen with continued alcohol use and can ultimately lead to serious and irreversible brain damage.
The first step in treating wet brain is stopping alcohol use. This typically requires medically supervised detox followed by inpatient treatment.
Wet brain develops as the body attempts to cope with overwhelming amounts of alcohol. As the liver becomes overwhelmed, it isn’t able to process the high levels of sugar present in alcohol. The liver compensates by pulling nutrients like thiamine from other parts of the body, including the brain.
Wet brain is typically associated with a serious thiamine deficit, so treatment usually involves thiamine therapy to address the deficiency.
Treatment outcomes for wet brain vary. How soon the condition is caught, the degree of brain damage, and an individual’s overall health are all factors that impact healing. In severe cases, it may be impossible to reverse the brain damage that has occurred.
Get Help for Alcohol Addiction at The Bluffs
Alcohol addiction is highly destructive and can lead to irreversible brain damage. This tragic ending is avoidable with the right help.
The Bluffs is a leading inpatient substance use treatment center. We work with patients to identify physical health issues and create a treatment plan that considers all aspects of healing. With personalized care, it’s possible to create a path toward healing for both the body and the mind.
Call 850.374.5331 for more information on the alcohol addiction treatment programs at The Bluffs.
