Understanding Hepatic Encephalopathy: Causes and Symptoms

Hepatic encephalopathy is a serious brain disorder that occurs due to liver dysfunction and toxin buildup in the body.

Hepatic Encephalopathy FAQ

What is hepatic encephalopathy?

Hepatic encephalopathy is brain dysfunction caused by liver dysfunction. “Encephalopathy” is brain dysfunction, and “hepatic” means liver-related. Encephalopathy affects your central nervous system and how you think, feel and act. Symptoms can range from confusion and disorientation to erratic behavior and personality changes.

What causes hepatic encephalopathy?

Type A is caused by acute liver failure. This is a sudden loss of liver function due to a sudden, severe liver injury. Viral infections, autoimmune liver disease and acetaminophen poisoning are common causes. Cerebral edema, swelling in your brain, is a frequent side effect that may contribute to the effects of hepatic encephalopathy.

Is hepatic encephalopathy a complication?

Hepatic encephalopathy is a possible complication in both cases. Type C is caused by chronic liver failure. Chronic liver failure is the gradual decline of liver function from chronic liver disease. It’s not reversible.

What are the clinical features of hepatic encephalopathy?

The clinical features of hepatic encephalopathy include a wide range of neuropsychiatric symptoms ranging from minor, not readily discernible signs of altered brain function (minimal hepatic encephalopathy), to overt psychiatric and/or neurologic symptoms, to deep coma.