Wet brain syndrome (WBS) is often caused by chronic alcohol misuse. It can affect people who drink heavily over a long period, although it can also be seen in others whose diets are deficient in thiamine or vitamin B1. If left untreated, wet brain symptoms can worsen and become permanent. That is why you must familiarize yourself with the signs of wet brain syndrome and seek help if necessary.
Wet brain symptoms may indicate that you have developed alcohol use disorder (AUD), which can put you at risk of many other health conditions. Getting treatment early is essential to reverse WBS, so contact My 5 Palms at 1.844.675.1022 immediately if you suspect that you or a loved one has WBS and is struggling with AUD.
Common Wet Brain Symptoms
Wet brain symptoms can resemble those of other health conditions, so you may not realize that you or a loved one may have developed it. Here are some common signs of wet brain to look out for in daily life.
Mental Confusion
Confusion is one of the most common symptoms of wet brain syndrome. Some people may worry that they are experiencing the beginnings of Alzheimer’s disease or another memory disorder.
Cognitive Impairment
People struggling with WBS may have difficulty with their memory, concentration, and problem-solving. Maintaining attention and focus can also be challenging, making planning or organizing things hard.
Emotional Instability
WBS can sometimes manifest as emotional instability, which may include feelings of:
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Depression
Along with these emotions, you may struggle to cope with stress. You may also become more impulsive, with poor decision-making skills and increased risk-taking behaviors. These symptoms can sometimes be confused with bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder.
Loss of Muscle Coordination
WBS can affect your muscle coordination, making it more challenging to stand or walk quickly.
Involuntary Eye Movements
Since WBS affects the nerves, it can lead to droopy eyelids and irregular eye movements, such as involuntary side-to-side or up-and-down movements.
What to Do When You Observe Signs of Wet Brain Syndrome
It is important to note that the signs of wet brain syndrome are often subtle and can be mistaken for other mental and physical health conditions. If you engage in heavy or binge drinking and have noticed some of the above signs of wet brain, you should schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. They may conduct some of the following tests and procedures to determine if you have WBS or another condition:
- A health history to learn about previous conditions and current symptoms
- A family health history to learn of any potential genetic health risks
- Blood tests to indicate possible health conditions
- Eye exams to determine if another condition is responsible for visual disturbances
- Neuropsychological testing to evaluate how well you process and remember information
- A computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms like Alzheimer’s disease
Your healthcare provider can determine whether you are dealing with WBS and alcohol use disorder. From there, you can develop a treatment plan. If detected early, WBS can be reversible, but your recovery will depend on managing alcohol addiction as well.
Find AUD and WBS Treatment in Florida at My 5 Palms
Wet brain syndrome is a severe condition that can lead to permanent damage if not treated. Since it is often confused with other diseases, getting a proper diagnosis and treating it early on can be tricky. If you suspect that you or someone you care about may have WBS or needs help for alcohol addiction, contact My 5 Palms today at 1.844.675.1022. We can conduct a thorough assessment to pinpoint your condition and provide a personalized treatment plan.
