Achalasia is an incurable neuromuscular disorder of the esophagus, resulting 
from destruction of the esophageal myenteric plexus. This leads to aperistalsis 
and failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax after swallowing. 
Symptoms of achalasia are gradual in onset and include dysphagia, regurgitation, 
and weight loss. Severe malnutrition can ensue. Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) 
is a serious, potentially fatal, neurologic disorder caused by thiamine 
deficiency (vitamin B(1)), classically described as presenting with a triad of 
ocular abnormalities, ataxia, and confusion. The incidence is uncertain, and 
many cases likely go unrecognized. It is usually diagnosed in the alcoholic 
population. We describe its onset after the successful surgical treatment of 
achalasia.