Hepatic Encephalopathy

Overview

The condition presents itself when our liver is unable to process toxins and then later leads to brain damage and impaired brain function. It is common in people diagnosed with a chronic disease of the liver and advanced cirrhosis or infection due to Hepatitis.

Cause

Presence of excessive quantities of toxins in the body.

Symptoms

We can classify symptoms in accordance with the time of detection.

1. Early

2. Late

Risk factor

Some risk factors can exacerbate this condition when it occurs alone or in tandem.

Lower oxygen levels
Dehydration
Constipation
Bleeding in the gastrointestinal canal
Excessive alcohol consumption
Infection
Abnormalities in the kidney

Diagnosis

No specific tests present hepatic encephalopathy but abnormalities can be detected by certain tests

Blood test- Serum ammonia levels
Imaging tests
Liver Function test
Kidney function test
Biopsy of liver
Infection
Kidney dysfunction

Treatment

This condition can be reversed by identifying the precipitating cause and treating with medications when diagnosed early.