Wernicke’s encephalopathy

a neurological disorder caused by a deficiency of vitamin B₁ (thiamine). The principal symptoms are confusion, oculomotor abnormalities (gaze palsy and nystagmus), and ataxia. The disorder is most frequently associated with chronic alcoholism but is also found in cases of pernicious anemia, gastric cancer, and malnutrition. These symptoms are likely to resolve with thiamine treatment, although most individuals then develop severe retrograde and anterograde amnesia as well as impairment in other areas of cognitive functioning, including executive functions (see Korsakoff’s syndrome). Also called cerebral beriberi; Wernicke’s disease. [first described in 1881 by Karl Wernicke]

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Psychology term of the day

January 19th 2025

pretest

1. n. an initial assessment designed to measure existing characteristics (e.g., knowledge, ability) before some intervention, condition, manipulation, or treatment is introduced. Pretests often are given to research participants before they take part in a study. For example, in a study examining whether training helps math performance, participants might be administered a short math test to assess their original knowledge prior to undergoing the training. See also posttest.

2. n. a test administered before the main study to ensure that participants understand the instructions and procedures. See pilot study; practice trial.

3. vb. to administer a pretest.