Beriberi

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Thiamine deficiency; Vitamin B-1 deficiency

Symptoms of dry beriberi include:

• Pain
• Tingling
• Loss of feeling (sensation) in hands and feet
• Muscle damage with loss of muscle function or paralysis of the lower legs
• Vomiting
• Strange eye movements (nystagmus)
• Mental confusion/speech difficulties
• Difficulty walking
• Coma
• Death

Symptoms of wet beriberi include:

• Swelling of the lower legs
• Increased heart rate
• Lung congestion
• Enlarged heart related to congestive heart failure
• Shortness of breath with activity
• Awakening at night short of breath

A physical examination may show signs of congestive heart failure, including swelling in both the lower legs, fluid in the lungs, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty breathing with neck veins that stick out.

A person with late-stage beriberi may be confused or have memory loss and delusions. The person may be less able to sense vibration. A neurological exam may show signs of decreased reflexes, changes in the person's walk, coordination problems, drooping of the eyelids, and other changes.

The following tests may be done:

• Blood tests to measure the amount of thiamine in the blood
• Urine tests to see if thiamine is passing through urine

Review Date: 07/21/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.