Wernicke encephalopathy observed in a cancer patient receiving terminal-stage home care.

We report an 80 year old man in the terminal stage of cancer receiving home care. On the 18th day after starting home care, he experienced a sudden onset of impaired consciousness, unsteadiness of gait, and ophthalmoplegia. Based on the clinical symptoms and a prolonged loss of appetite, Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) was suspected. Thiamine 100 mg was administered intravenously, and 20 minutes later, the patient responded to verbal stimuli. After 1 h, he was able to engage in conversation. When impaired consciousness occurs in cancer patients receiving home care, it is important to consider WE as a differential diagnosis.