26th April 2024

A 52-year-old man with a known history of alcohol dependency presents to the emergency department.

A 52-year-old man with a known history of alcohol dependency presents to the emergency department. He is confused, has difficulty walking, and his eyes are moving involuntarily. His friends report that he has been increasingly forgetful over the past few weeks and has recently started talking nonsensically. On examination, he is disorientated to time, place, and person. His gait is unsteady, and he displays horizontal nystagmus. Neurological examination reveals ataxia and a global reduction in reflexes.

Which is the most likely diagnosis?