Wernicke Encephalopathy (Wernicke's Encephalopathy) By Gerald F O'Malley, DO, Grand Strand Regional Medical Center; Rika O'Malley, MD, Grand Strand Medical Center Reviewed / Revised Dec 2022 View Patient Education Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Prognosis Treatment Wernicke encephalopathy is characterized by acute onset of confusion, nystagmus, partial ophthalmoplegia, and ataxia due to thiamin deficiency.