We present a descriptive, retrospective study of initial symptoms, comorbidity, 
and alcohol withdrawal in 73 alcoholic patients with subsequent Korsakoff 
syndrome. In 25/73 (35%) of the patients the classic triad of Wernicke's 
encephalopathy with ocular symptoms, ataxia and confusion, was found. In at 
least 6/35 (17%) of the initial deliria (95% confidence interval: 10-25%) we 
observed no other underlying causes, thus excluding other somatic causes, 
medication, (recent) alcohol withdrawal, or intoxication. We suggest that these 
deliria may have been representing Wernicke's encephalopathy. A high frequency 
(15%) of diabetics may reflect a contributing factor of diabetes mellitus in the 
evolution of the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.