Visual evoked responses in chronic alcoholics. Issue 8 (August 1986)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chan, Y W; McLeod, J G; Tuck, R R; Walsh, J C; Feary, P A
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 49:Issue 8(1986)
• Page Start: 945
• Page End: 950
• Publication Date: 1986-08
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.49.8.945
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Visual evoked responses (VERs) were recorded on 52 chronic alcoholics patients without Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, 22 of whom had cerebellar ataxia, and eight chronic alcoholics with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Abnormal VERs were found in 23% of patients without and 37% of patients with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. The main VER abnormalities of all the alcoholic groups were prolonged latency and reduced amplitude of the P100 component. Improvement followed a six month period of abstinence. VERs may be useful in the early detection of alcohol induced brain damage, and in following the progress of patients with the condition.