Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome is a term used to describe two clinically separate syndromes, Wernicke encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome, which share the same cause and histopathology. Caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1), Wernicke encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome are most commonly seen in individuals who have poor dietary intake or poor intestinal absorption or both. The most common patient population predisposed to this syndrome are alcoholics. In modern times, cancer patients and those who have undergone bariatric surgery are also susceptible.