Wernicke's encephalopathy with the involvement of nervus opticus caused by hyperemesis gravidarum

A case-report of a pregnant woman suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum with the development of Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) in the 14th week of gestation is presented. The signs were completely adjusted after the treatment. This complication is relatively rare, but it may have fatal termination. In literature there were presented totally 29 patients with WE in the course of gravidity. Parenteral administration of thiamin or other vitamins and minerals should be applied in every pregnant woman with hyperemesis gravidarum lasting for more than 2 weeks. This case-report ought to remind of the fact that WE may develop even in the patients in whom it could not be thought of before. WE should be suspected in each patient with disturbed motility of the bulbs, disturbed gait and involved psyche.