Psych CASC / OSCE · Addiction psychiatry
Explaining Wernicke, Korsakoff, and long-term supports — CASC communication station
MRCPsych/FRANZCP-style communication station: explain WE vs KS vs ARBI, thiamine rationale and doses in plain language, imaging limits, prognosis with abstinence, capacity-sensitive disposition, and ARBD supports without stigma.
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Format. Communication station, approximately 7–10 minutes after reading time. You are the psychiatry registrar. [3][4]
Candidate instructions. Explain in plain language: what Wernicke encephalopathy is and why high-dose vitamin B1 drips were given; what Korsakoff/ARBI mean and how this differs from typical late-life Alzheimer disease; role of MRI; realistic recovery with abstinence and supports; capacity and why major decisions may need delay/support; involve sister respectfully; agree next steps. Check understanding. [1][2][5]
References6ShowHide
- [1]Caine D, Halliday GM, Kril JJ, et al. Operational criteria for the classification of chronic alcoholics: identification of Wernicke's encephalopathy. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry, 1997.PMID 9010400
- [2]Galvin R, Bråthen G, Ivashynka A, et al. EFNS guidelines for diagnosis, therapy and prevention of Wernicke encephalopathy. Eur J Neurol, 2010.PMID 20642790
- [3]Kopelman MD, Thomson AD, Guerrini I, et al. The Korsakoff syndrome: clinical aspects, psychology and treatment. Alcohol Alcohol, 2009.PMID 19151162
- [4]Zahr NM, Kaufman KL, Harper CG Clinical and pathological features of alcohol-related brain damage. Nat Rev Neurol, 2011.PMID 21487421
- [5]Wilson K, Halsey A, Macpherson H, et al. The psycho-social rehabilitation of patients with alcohol-related brain damage in the community. Alcohol Alcohol, 2012.PMID 22278316
- [6]Svanberg J, Evans JJ Neuropsychological rehabilitation in alcohol-related brain damage: a systematic review. Alcohol Alcohol, 2013.PMID 23955833