Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentOutlookFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Outlook
Frequently Asked Questions
Marchiafava-Bignamidisease (MBD) is a rare condition in which the nerves of thecorpus callosum—the area that connects the brain’s two hemispheres—become eroded. This disease is most commonly seen in people with severealcohol use disorderbut can also appear in severely malnourished people.MBD is associated with several symptoms, such asparanoia,psychosis,seizures, anddementia.
This article reviews Marchafava-Bignami disease symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Marchiafava-Bignami Disease Symptoms
The disease is often divided into three categories: chronic, subacute, or acute.
The chronic form of MBD is less common but generally includes mild dementia. However, this symptom is often correlated with conditions other than MBD.
Subacute forms of MBD may include the following symptoms:
Acute symptoms may include:
MBD occurs when nerves of the corpus callosum—the area between the brain’s hemispheres—become demyelinated, or eroded. The erosion damages the nerves and eventually leads to nerve cell death andnecrosisof the corpus callosum.
This condition is primarily associated with extreme alcohol consumption. However, it has also been observed in patients with severemalnutrition. MBD is thought to result from a deficiency inthiamine, a B vitamin.
Diagnosing MBD requiresmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI is a noninvasive diagnostic test that uses radiofrequency and magnets to produce images inside the body. MRIs are commonly used for patients who present with neurological symptoms to help establish a diagnosis.
MBD is impossible to diagnose without an MRI. Patients often have a history of alcohol use or malnutrition that may also be used to help establish a diagnosis.
Is Alcoholism a Disease?
Because MBD is closely associated with decreased B vitamins, intravenous (IV) thiamine may be given to treat patients. Recovery also includes neurological and psychological examinations and follow-up MRIs.
Stopping Alcohol UsePeople with MBD should stop drinking alcohol immediately. It may even be necessary for some patients to be admitted to the hospital for observation and medications to managealcohol withdrawal.
Stopping Alcohol Use
People with MBD should stop drinking alcohol immediately. It may even be necessary for some patients to be admitted to the hospital for observation and medications to managealcohol withdrawal.
The outlook for patients with MBD is highly variable. Generally speaking, the outlook is more positive with an early diagnosis and prompt treatment. However, this can also vary from person to person.
Some patients survive for years with symptoms of MBD and then deteriorate suddenly. Repeat MRIs have also shown that MBD lesions can disappear, although this is more likely with early diagnosis and treatment.
Some evidence shows that the appearance and location of lesions on the nerves can help determine the overall prognosis.Research also shows thatcerebral lobeimpairment, severe loss of consciousness, and heavy alcohol usage are correlated with a poorer prognosis.
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with MBD, talk with your healthcare provider about your specific prognosis and treatment options that may help.
Summary
MBD is a rare condition in which the nerves of the corpus callosum—the area that connects the brain’s two hemispheres—erode. MBD is most commonly seen in people with severe alcohol use disorder or in people with severe malnourishment.
MBD is associated with several symptoms such as paranoia, psychosis, seizures, and dementia. Midler symptoms may include difficulty walking, talking, depression, aggression, and decreased consciousness.
MRIs are the only way to establish a diagnosis of MBD. Intravenous thiamine is often given to treat patients with MBD. Recovery also includes neurological and psychological examinations and follow-up MRIs.
A Word From Verywell
Decreasing or eliminating your alcohol intake can lower your chances of developing alcohol-related health issues, such as Marchiafava-Bignami disease. If you are concerned about your alcohol consumption, know that you are not alone, and there are manyresourcesavailable to help you. Fortunately, with early detection and treatment, many patients with MBD have a favorable prognosis.
Frequently Asked QuestionsMarchiafava-Bignami disease is extremely rare. Up-to-date prevalence figures are limited, but a 2001 case study found a total of just 250 reported cases.This condition is primarily associated with extreme alcohol consumption. However, it has also been observed in patients with severe malnutrition. MBD is thought the result from a thiamine deficiency.MBD symptoms can vary per patient. Early and more subtle signs might include decreased consciousness, psychotic symptoms, depression, apathy, aggressiveness, and difficulty speaking.
Marchiafava-Bignami disease is extremely rare. Up-to-date prevalence figures are limited, but a 2001 case study found a total of just 250 reported cases.
This condition is primarily associated with extreme alcohol consumption. However, it has also been observed in patients with severe malnutrition. MBD is thought the result from a thiamine deficiency.
MBD symptoms can vary per patient. Early and more subtle signs might include decreased consciousness, psychotic symptoms, depression, apathy, aggressiveness, and difficulty speaking.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hillbom M, Saloheimo P, Fujioka S, Wszolek ZK, Juvela S, Leone MA.Diagnosis and management of Marchiafava-Bignami disease: a review of CT/MRI confirmed cases.J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2014;85(2):168-73. doi:10.1136/jnnp-2013-305979Carrilho PE, Santos MB, Piasecki L, Jorge AC.Marchiafava-Bignami disease: a rare entity with a poor outcome.Rev Bras Ter Intensiva. 2013;25(1):68-72. doi:10.1590/s0103-507x2013000100013Dong X, Bai C, Nao J.Clinical and radiological features of Marchiafava-Bignami disease.Medicine. 2018;97(5):e9626. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000009626Helenius J, Tatlisumak T, Soinne L, Valanne L, Kaste M.Marchiafava-Bignami disease: two cases with favourable outcome.Eur J Neurol. 2001;8(3):269-72. doi:10.1046/j.1468-1331.2001.00212.x
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hillbom M, Saloheimo P, Fujioka S, Wszolek ZK, Juvela S, Leone MA.Diagnosis and management of Marchiafava-Bignami disease: a review of CT/MRI confirmed cases.J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2014;85(2):168-73. doi:10.1136/jnnp-2013-305979Carrilho PE, Santos MB, Piasecki L, Jorge AC.Marchiafava-Bignami disease: a rare entity with a poor outcome.Rev Bras Ter Intensiva. 2013;25(1):68-72. doi:10.1590/s0103-507x2013000100013Dong X, Bai C, Nao J.Clinical and radiological features of Marchiafava-Bignami disease.Medicine. 2018;97(5):e9626. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000009626Helenius J, Tatlisumak T, Soinne L, Valanne L, Kaste M.Marchiafava-Bignami disease: two cases with favourable outcome.Eur J Neurol. 2001;8(3):269-72. doi:10.1046/j.1468-1331.2001.00212.x
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Hillbom M, Saloheimo P, Fujioka S, Wszolek ZK, Juvela S, Leone MA.Diagnosis and management of Marchiafava-Bignami disease: a review of CT/MRI confirmed cases.J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2014;85(2):168-73. doi:10.1136/jnnp-2013-305979Carrilho PE, Santos MB, Piasecki L, Jorge AC.Marchiafava-Bignami disease: a rare entity with a poor outcome.Rev Bras Ter Intensiva. 2013;25(1):68-72. doi:10.1590/s0103-507x2013000100013Dong X, Bai C, Nao J.Clinical and radiological features of Marchiafava-Bignami disease.Medicine. 2018;97(5):e9626. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000009626Helenius J, Tatlisumak T, Soinne L, Valanne L, Kaste M.Marchiafava-Bignami disease: two cases with favourable outcome.Eur J Neurol. 2001;8(3):269-72. doi:10.1046/j.1468-1331.2001.00212.x
Hillbom M, Saloheimo P, Fujioka S, Wszolek ZK, Juvela S, Leone MA.Diagnosis and management of Marchiafava-Bignami disease: a review of CT/MRI confirmed cases.J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2014;85(2):168-73. doi:10.1136/jnnp-2013-305979
Carrilho PE, Santos MB, Piasecki L, Jorge AC.Marchiafava-Bignami disease: a rare entity with a poor outcome.Rev Bras Ter Intensiva. 2013;25(1):68-72. doi:10.1590/s0103-507x2013000100013
Dong X, Bai C, Nao J.Clinical and radiological features of Marchiafava-Bignami disease.Medicine. 2018;97(5):e9626. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000009626
Helenius J, Tatlisumak T, Soinne L, Valanne L, Kaste M.Marchiafava-Bignami disease: two cases with favourable outcome.Eur J Neurol. 2001;8(3):269-72. doi:10.1046/j.1468-1331.2001.00212.x
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