What is the clinical triad of Wernicke's encephalopathy?

• A. Encephalopathy, ataxic gait, ocular signs (nystagmus, ophthalmoplegia)
• B. Memory loss and confabulation
• C. Growth retardation with abnormal facial features
• D. Seizures and coma

Answer: (A)

Wernicke's encephalopathy is defined by a classic triad that reflects acute thiamine deficiency affecting eye movements, balance, and mental status. The best answer lists ocular signs (such as nystagmus or ophthalmoplegia), gait ataxia, and encephalopathy (confusion). This combination is characteristic and urgent because recognizing it prompts immediate thiamine treatment, which can reverse symptoms and prevent progression to Korsakoff syndrome.

Memor y loss with confabulation points to Korsakoff syndrome, which often follows Wernicke’s but is a separate, later stage with prominent amnesia and confabulation. Growth retardation with abnormal facial features describes fetal alcohol syndrome, not this acute triad. Seizures and coma are nonspecific and do not define the Wernicke triad.