Unsafe Drugs: Obesity Surgery Linked to Neurological Condition

Wernicke encephalopathy has been linked to weight-loss surgery, especially in younger women. Wernicke encephalopathy typically is seen in severe alcoholics and in those with a thiamine deficiency. It affects the brain and nervous systems, and has symptoms including double vision, aberrations in eye movement, unsteadiness while walking, memory loss, and hallucinations. The lead researcher of the study, Dr. Sonal Singh, says that it is unclear how common the condition is in those who have had surgery for obesity.

Neurological condition linked to obesity surgery

Singh says that the condition occurs more frequently in those who stop taking vitamin supplements or become too prone to vomiting to actually absorb nutrients from the vitamins. If recognized soon enough, the condition can be treated with thiamine injections. Those who have obesity surgery should watch for symptoms in the weeks following surgery, says Singh. "We're not saying to people 'Don't get the surgery.' But I think this is a risk that has to be considered now in the equation when people are deciding," Singh said.