Saakashvili suffering from neurological disorder, seizures caused by Wernicke's encephalopathy – Georgian ombudsman

TBILISI. Nov 19 (Interfax) – Incarcerated former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has developed a dangerous disorder, seizures caused by Wernicke’s encephalopathy, Georgian ombudsman Nino Lomjaria said on Friday.

According to Lomjaria, Saakashvili has been diagnosed by a medical panel set up at her initiative to evaluate the former president’s health.

The neurological condition, which may affect the brain, results from the disregard of medical recommendations and a prognosis of serious complications by the Georgian Justice Ministry and the Special Penitentiary Service, she said.

A full evaluation of focal processes in the brain would require MRI/MRA examinations, including MR-venography checks, Lomjaria said.

These and other recommendations have been given to the chief physician of the prison infirmary where Saakashvili is now, she said.

Doctors believe that Saakashvili’s condition may continue to worsen – it is highly probable that he might develop an epileptic status or coma induced by Wernicke’s encephalopathy or even die, Lomjaria said.

Once again, she called for transferring Saakashvili to a multidisciplinary civilian clinic.