Symptoms of dry beriberi include:
• Difficulty walking
• Loss of feeling (sensation) in hands and feet
• Loss of muscle function or paralysis of the lower legs
• Mental confusion/speech difficulties
• Pain
• Strange eye movements (nystagmus)
• Tingling
• Vomiting
Symptoms of wet beriberi include:
• Awakening at night short of breath
• Increased heart rate
• Shortness of breath with activity
• Swelling of the lower legs
Exams and Tests
A physical examination may show signs of congestive heart failure, including:
• Difficulty breathing with neck veins that stick out
• Enlarged heart
• Fluid in the lungs
• Rapid heartbeat
• Swelling in both lower legs
A person with late-stage beriberi may be confused or have memory loss and delusions. The person may be less able to sense vibrations.
A neurological exam may show signs of:
• Changes in the walk
• Coordination problems
• Decreased reflexes
• Drooping of the eyelids
Please note: we are not doctors. If you or a loved one is suffering from a health condition, please consult your medical doctor for advice. We do, however, urge you to see a doctor who understands nutrition’s role in resolving this condition.