Case 33-1986: A 62-Year-Old Alcoholic Man with Confusion, Ataxia, and a Rash

Presentation of Case A 62-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because of confusion and ataxia. There was a long history of alcohol abuse, with upper gastrointestinal bleeding of uncertain source 15 years earlier. One month before admission he had an upper respiratory tract infection, with chilliness and questionable fever that persisted for two weeks. Two weeks before entry the patient was discharged from his job as a baker because of weakness. He was separated from his family, who saw him at that time and noted that he had a tendency to list to the left on walking, although he.