The person with late-stage beriberi may be confused or psychotic . Administration of thiamine reverses the deficiency and symptoms improve rapidly. Cardiac damage is reversible and is not permanent. Full recovery is expected after treatment. Untreated, beriberi is often fatal.
Beriberi is extremely rare in the United States.
However, if you feel your family's diet is inadequate or poorly balanced and you or your children have any of the described symptoms, call your health care provider.