A family member went on a 2-month alcoholic binge. he was speaking incoherently, unable to walk, and eye movement was paralyzed. his md said it could be wernicke-korsakoff. now abstinent, he's not showing these symptoms. does he still need an mri?

Hard to say. The need/benefit of any test is best determined by the treating physician that has the full history and exam findings. Unfortunately, alcohol can cause significant damage to brain structures when used in excess. The test is non=invasive and gives significant information about the areas under study. I'd do the test if it was my relative/friend.

If he had Wernicke-Korsafoff, there may be residual damage that should be investigated by among other things by an MRI. He ought be evaluated by a neurologist.