what is "wet brain"? n/t
we're all mad here!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: a padded room with bars
Posts: 1,681
I just learned from my s/o that the doctors said I had wet brain after running a cat scan (after the drunk that had me on a ventilator). THey said I wouldn't be 'me' if I woke up.
The only residual effects I seem to have is I have a little difficulty following instructions. Takes a bit more.
The only residual effects I seem to have is I have a little difficulty following instructions. Takes a bit more.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Nashville TN
Posts: 42
What is a wet brain
The term you are referring to applies to someone who has abused alcohol to the point that normal brain function is permanently impaired. There are several degrees of "wet". I have been on 12 step calls and witnessed this first hand. It is a "very awakening" experience.
If you were able to type a post here, then you are not likely wet brained. What you are going through is known as the "paws": Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome. Now I am not a doctor and not trying to offer advise, but in my early attempts at sobriety were me trying to "study" this disease. I thought if I knew my nemesis, I could defeat it. Of course, this did not work.
The "paws" is caused by a sudden withdrawal of a substance that your body has become "dependant" on. After abusing alcohol and drugs, the brain stops producing certain chemicals such as dopamine and seratonin. The abused substance causes the transmitters and receptors in the brain to stop "firing" the chemicals. Once the abused substance is no longer ingested, the brain experiences a chemical imbalance. The severity of the paws related episodes depend and the frequency, substance used, and length of abuse. Most experts state that the paw starts 7 to 14 day into recovery and can last 3 months to two years. The severity of paws can also depend on the stress level experienced in sobriety as well. Here are some examples of paws symptoms:
1. Inability to think clearly
2. Memory problems
3. Emotional overreactions or numbness
4. Sleep disturbances
5. Physical coordination problems
6. Stress sensitivity
Do not fear this. It is merely a sign that the brain is trying to stabilize. There are things that help, such as exercise, proper nutrition, meditation, and most of all, working the program with the help of your higher power. In time, these chemicals will flow again. They call this "getting your brain out of hoc" in AA. Doctors can also treat with certain non addictive drugs, such as Serzone, or Zoloft. (Anti-depressants)
To read more, check out: ---PAWS
Post Acute Withdrawl - Relapse Prevention Specialists - TLC The Living Center
Well, you ask. Just remember that knowing this will not keep you sober, but it may ease your mind for what you are going through. THIS TOO, SHALL PASS!!
Good luck and God speed.
If you were able to type a post here, then you are not likely wet brained. What you are going through is known as the "paws": Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome. Now I am not a doctor and not trying to offer advise, but in my early attempts at sobriety were me trying to "study" this disease. I thought if I knew my nemesis, I could defeat it. Of course, this did not work.
The "paws" is caused by a sudden withdrawal of a substance that your body has become "dependant" on. After abusing alcohol and drugs, the brain stops producing certain chemicals such as dopamine and seratonin. The abused substance causes the transmitters and receptors in the brain to stop "firing" the chemicals. Once the abused substance is no longer ingested, the brain experiences a chemical imbalance. The severity of the paws related episodes depend and the frequency, substance used, and length of abuse. Most experts state that the paw starts 7 to 14 day into recovery and can last 3 months to two years. The severity of paws can also depend on the stress level experienced in sobriety as well. Here are some examples of paws symptoms:
1. Inability to think clearly
2. Memory problems
3. Emotional overreactions or numbness
4. Sleep disturbances
5. Physical coordination problems
6. Stress sensitivity
Do not fear this. It is merely a sign that the brain is trying to stabilize. There are things that help, such as exercise, proper nutrition, meditation, and most of all, working the program with the help of your higher power. In time, these chemicals will flow again. They call this "getting your brain out of hoc" in AA. Doctors can also treat with certain non addictive drugs, such as Serzone, or Zoloft. (Anti-depressants)
To read more, check out: ---PAWS
Post Acute Withdrawl - Relapse Prevention Specialists - TLC The Living Center
Well, you ask. Just remember that knowing this will not keep you sober, but it may ease your mind for what you are going through. THIS TOO, SHALL PASS!!
Good luck and God speed.
Last edited by CarolD; 02-18-2010 at 07:02 PM. Reason: Removed Broken Links
we're all mad here!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: a padded room with bars
Posts: 1,681
thankyou Fishman!
that is some useful information! Luckily, all I seem to be suffering from is some trouble following directions and sleep disturbances.
My temperment has improved and my frustration tolerance has likewise improved since I got home. But that might be because I started AA immediately. Of course, previous to starting AA, I had NO frustration tolerance....... could have been paws in action. My memory has always been poor.... I'll be curious to see if it improves the longer I'm into sobriety :-)
I, too, have heard that wet brain is irreversible. However, my s/o was told by the ER physician that I had "wet brain". But then, maybe he wasn't learned in alcoholism. I am definately going to check out those links about PAWS
I had quit using alcohol without withdrawal symptoms for a month. Then I started and within a week I was on that ventilator. Again, I had no withdrawal symptoms.
I think I can call myself "lucky".
that is some useful information! Luckily, all I seem to be suffering from is some trouble following directions and sleep disturbances.
My temperment has improved and my frustration tolerance has likewise improved since I got home. But that might be because I started AA immediately. Of course, previous to starting AA, I had NO frustration tolerance....... could have been paws in action. My memory has always been poor.... I'll be curious to see if it improves the longer I'm into sobriety :-)
I, too, have heard that wet brain is irreversible. However, my s/o was told by the ER physician that I had "wet brain". But then, maybe he wasn't learned in alcoholism. I am definately going to check out those links about PAWS
I had quit using alcohol without withdrawal symptoms for a month. Then I started and within a week I was on that ventilator. Again, I had no withdrawal symptoms.
I think I can call myself "lucky".
Paused
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: scottsdale az
Posts: 118
Wet brain is permanent brain damage due to alcohol abuse last I heard. I have also heard that there are degrees to this so if your doctor says that you have it then I would guess he isn't telling you that to get his kicks. I would think that you have a very limited degree of wet brain since you are typing on this computer.
Also Post Acute Withdrawl Symptoms are listed to last 12-18 months
Also Post Acute Withdrawl Symptoms are listed to last 12-18 months
we're all mad here!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: a padded room with bars
Posts: 1,681
the Dr. tn the ER said it...... I dont' know if he'd done the cat scan yet, or not. He DID, however, tell my s/o that I had wet brain when I had no neurological function whatsoever (no gag reflex, no reflexes period, pupils were fixed and dialated, etc etc). The doc in the ICU didn't tell me any of it... but then, I didn't think to ask.
If I do/did have it, I guess I wasn't meant to either die or be a vegetable.
I'm going to ask my doc to look in the records. Now I'm curious.
If I do/did have it, I guess I wasn't meant to either die or be a vegetable.
I'm going to ask my doc to look in the records. Now I'm curious.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Australia
Posts: 610
Hi Moot,
same thing happened to a friend of mine but she's ok now, actually she's co-ordinator for a treatment city in our city and is studying chemistry and physics.
Wet brain or Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is caused by a deficiency of Thiamine (vitamin B1) and if caught in the early stages is treatable. So, it's possible that your doctor was right and that you were given B1 in hospital (they did this for me during withdrawals in hospital) but obviously I don't know for sure. Do you take vitamin B1? I was told that I can't get enough of it for at least the first year.
Isn't it amazing that we are alive?
Amy
same thing happened to a friend of mine but she's ok now, actually she's co-ordinator for a treatment city in our city and is studying chemistry and physics.
Wet brain or Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is caused by a deficiency of Thiamine (vitamin B1) and if caught in the early stages is treatable. So, it's possible that your doctor was right and that you were given B1 in hospital (they did this for me during withdrawals in hospital) but obviously I don't know for sure. Do you take vitamin B1? I was told that I can't get enough of it for at least the first year.
Isn't it amazing that we are alive?
Amy
we're all mad here!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: a padded room with bars
Posts: 1,681
I haven't a clue what they gave me! I was out for a looooooooong time and I suspect they would have given it to me early on. I don't remember any shots when I came to, but I got tons of stuff IV.
I'm not taking vitamin B1 but I'm sure going to get some!
I was told remarkably little about my condition. I think it was because I had tried to commit suicide shortly before and they were tired of me.
Yes, it is remarkable that we are alive!
I'm not taking vitamin B1 but I'm sure going to get some!
I was told remarkably little about my condition. I think it was because I had tried to commit suicide shortly before and they were tired of me.
Yes, it is remarkable that we are alive!
Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Harrsiburg, PA
Posts: 1
I'm not sure about a lot of what I've read here on wet brain - but it all seems to make sense. I'm on anti-depressants, have momentary lapses in memory (like suddenly not knowing what day it is)... I've been sober about 3 1/2 years after daily drinking for at least 15 years, and pretty close to daily drinking for 10 years prior to that. I particularly liked reading about depressed seratonin synthesis in the brain. Maybe my alcoholism, along with "naturally" depressed seratonin synthesis, is why I need seratonin reuptake inhibitors. Geez, sounds like I know what I'm talking about - but the reality is that I faithfully work the steps, go to AA meetings at least 6 days per week, visit my doctor regularly (and do what she tells me) - and I'm getting better! Thank God! The one thing I've learned is that I can't solve my problems using the same thinking that caused them!!!
same planet...different world
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Butte, America
Posts: 10,946
Moot-
Someone actually came to my house with that condition.
And it's something once you see it -
you never forget it, I can tell you.
This man was in his forties
but had the awareness level of maybe a ten year old.
He had little if ANY perceptual function in reality
everything - EVERYTHING
was imaginary.
And he was still drinking.
I couldn't help wondering
who he might have been.
who COULD he have been.
OTher than what was in my living room.
You don't get over wet brain.
It's permanent damage.
Hope that helps.
Someone actually came to my house with that condition.
And it's something once you see it -
you never forget it, I can tell you.
This man was in his forties
but had the awareness level of maybe a ten year old.
He had little if ANY perceptual function in reality
everything - EVERYTHING
was imaginary.
And he was still drinking.
I couldn't help wondering
who he might have been.
who COULD he have been.
OTher than what was in my living room.
You don't get over wet brain.
It's permanent damage.
Hope that helps.
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
Moot left SR years ago Barb....
I doubt she will be answering you.
Look at the date of her post.
This is from my files re Wet Brain....
I doubt she will be answering you.
Look at the date of her post.
This is from my files re Wet Brain....
What is wet brain?
Dr. James West, Betty Ford Center
"Good question. The term wet brain refers to a very real condition known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This chronic brain syndrome is caused by long-term alcoholism and is accompanied by a triad of symptoms: 1) mental disturbance; 2) confusion, drowsiness and paralysis of eye movements; and 3) ataxia or a staggering gait. A primary cause for this is a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency due to severe malnutrition and poor intestinal absorption of food and vitamins caused by alcohol. The person with wet brain acts much like the Alzheimer’s victim with loss of recent memory, disorientation with regard to time and place, confusion and confabulation, or telling imagined and untrue experiences as truth. If wet brain is identified in its early onset, an infusion of thiamine (B1) may help. Unfortunately, there is no recovery from Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Therefore, it is one of the most tragic consequences of alcoholism."
Dr. James West, Betty Ford Center
"Good question. The term wet brain refers to a very real condition known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This chronic brain syndrome is caused by long-term alcoholism and is accompanied by a triad of symptoms: 1) mental disturbance; 2) confusion, drowsiness and paralysis of eye movements; and 3) ataxia or a staggering gait. A primary cause for this is a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency due to severe malnutrition and poor intestinal absorption of food and vitamins caused by alcohol. The person with wet brain acts much like the Alzheimer’s victim with loss of recent memory, disorientation with regard to time and place, confusion and confabulation, or telling imagined and untrue experiences as truth. If wet brain is identified in its early onset, an infusion of thiamine (B1) may help. Unfortunately, there is no recovery from Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Therefore, it is one of the most tragic consequences of alcoholism."
Last edited by CarolD; 02-18-2010 at 07:14 PM. Reason: Added Info
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: north carolina
Posts: 74
A google search is actually how I found this. Carol and Barb - thanks for the clinical notes and shared experience - very scary. Man, this stuff is toxic. Just a reminder to take every day as a blessing, I guess.
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