Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of WE have been released by the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS), and are based on three decades of research into this condition (Box 2).16 If WE is recognized, treatment with thiamine can result in rapid clinical improvement.10 Indeed, the prevalence of WE has been reduced in a number of countries (including the US, the UK and Australia) that have instituted nationwide thiamine supplementation in staple foods such as bread.17
