Vitamins & Minerals

Unique Presentation of Dry Beriberi Manifesting as Abrupt, Profound, Generalized Weakness in Middle-aged Male with No Comorbidities

Abstract

Sujay Dayal* and Surbi Dayal

Vitamin B1, thiamine, has many pertinent functions relating to the generation of energy and metabolism in the human body. Thiamine can be found in various food products, such as beans, yogurt, seafood and meats. Deficiency can be seen in individuals with poor oral intake or alcoholism and can present as dry beriberi. Dry beriberi involves the Central Nervous System (CNS) and manifests as a spectrum in severity, with symptoms of motor and sensory deficits commonly affecting the extremities.

A 30s year old male with no past medical history presented with acute generalized weakness, so debilitating he could not physically get out of bed. He recently endorsed an alcohol binge three days prior. Thiamine levels revealed<6 nmol/L. Intravenous (IV) infusion of thiamine alongside physical therapy during hospital led to complete resolution of symptoms. Thiamine levels should be checked in patients presenting with neuropathic symptoms, especially in the setting of malnourished states.