Question

A chronic alcoholic patient presented to the casualty with confusion, ataxia, and painful eye movements. What could be the vitamin deficiency seen in this patient?

• A. Vitamin B deficiency
• B. Vitamin A deficiency
• C. Vitamin D deficiency
• D. Vitamin C deficiency

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The patient described in the question presents with symptoms of confusion, ataxia, and painful eye movements. These symptoms are characteristic of a condition known as Wernicke's encephalopathy, which is commonly associated with chronic alcohol consumption.

Wernicke's encephalopathy results from a deficiency in thiamine, which is Vitamin B1. Thiamine is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in carbohydrate metabolism and the functioning of the nervous system. Chronic alcoholics are at risk of thiamine deficiency due to poor dietary intake and impaired absorption of nutrients.

Vitamin	Associated Deficiency Condition
Vitamin B (specifically B1)	Wernicke's encephalopathy
Vitamin A	Night blindness, xerophthalmia
Vitamin D	Rickets, osteomalacia
Vitamin C	Scurvy

Given the symptoms and the patient profile, the likely vitamin deficiency in this case is Vitamin B, specifically a deficiency in Vitamin B1 (thiamine).