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Beriberi results from prolonged and chronic deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1), but early signs and symptoms of thiamine deficiency may be detected in 14 days, before the onset of more severe symptoms. These are consistent with other vitamin deficiencies and may include:

• Fatigue
• Apathy
• Irritability
• Depression
• Poor mental concentration and memory loss
• Lack of appetite
• Sleep disturbances
• Nausea
• Abdominal discomfort
• Weight loss
• Hoarseness

Thiamine deficiency progresses to beriberi when left untreated, causing more severe signs and symptoms. These develop after approximately three months of insufficient vitamin consumption and vary depending on which form the disease takes. The signs and symptoms of wet beriberi (affecting the cardiovascular system) may include:

• Rapid heart rate
• Dilation of blood vessels
• Warm, moist skin
• Fluid in the lungs
• Heart enlargement and eventually failure
• Swelling of extremities due to fluid build up (edema), especially in the legs
• Shortness of breath with activity
• Awakening at night with shortness of breath

Dry beriberi (affecting the nervous and muscular systems) is not characterized by swelling and fluid accumulation, hence the term “dry.” Instead, signs and symptoms involve the senses, memory and movement. Dry beriberi can lead to coma and death. Symptoms may include:

• Pain, tingling or numbness in hands and feet
• Decreased or exaggerated reflexes
• Inability to sense vibrations
• Vomiting
• Involuntary, cyclical eye movements (nystagmus)
• Vision changes
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Language difficulties
• Drooping eyelids
• Seizures
• Muscle wasting, leading to loss of function or paralysis of the legs and arms 
• Mental confusion 

In infants, the signs and symptoms of beriberi may develop after two to three months. They may include:

• Enlargement of the heart
• Rapid heart rate
• Loud, piercing crying
• Bluish discoloration of the skin, lips and nails
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting