Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

In which condition would one expect to see symptoms like ataxia and ophthalmoplegia in combination with confusion?

1. Wernicke's encephalopathy

2. Alzheimer's disease

3. Panic disorder

4. Post-traumatic stress disorder

The correct answer is: Wernicke's encephalopathy

Ataxia and ophthalmoplegia occurring alongside confusion are hallmark symptoms of Wernicke's encephalopathy. This condition arises from thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, often associated with chronic alcoholism or malnutrition. The triad of symptoms you would expect includes ataxia, which is a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements; ophthalmoplegia, which refers to weakness or paralysis of the eye muscles; and confusion, indicating altered mental status. Wernicke's encephalopathy is a medical emergency that requires prompt intervention, typically with thiamine administration, to prevent progression to Korsakoff syndrome or permanent neurological damage. Understanding this condition is crucial for recognizing the importance of nutrition in the management of patients with alcohol use disorder, as well as for making timely diagnoses in acute settings. Other conditions listed, such as Alzheimer's disease and various anxiety disorders like panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, do not typically present with this specific combination of neurological symptoms, making them less likely scenarios for this clinical presentation.