Hepatic encephalopathy is a disease characterized by brain malfunction due to liver problems such as liver failure, tumor or cirrhosis.
One of the functions of the liver is to filter the blood coming from digestion as it is responsible for metabolizing substances considered toxic to some organs. When the liver is unable to properly filter this blood, some toxic substances such as ammonia reach the brain and the central nervous system causing hepatic encephalopathy.
The classification of hepatic encephalopathy is:
- Type A hepatic encephalopathy: with acute liver failure; Type B hepatic encephalopathy: with encephalopathy associated with port-systemic bypass; Type C hepatic encephalopathy: when it is associated with cirrhosis and portal hypertension.
Hepatic encephalopathy can also manifest itself sporadically, persistently or minimally. Being that:
- Sporadic hepatic encephalopathy: precipitated, spontaneous and recurrent; Persistent hepatic encephalopathy: mild, severe, treatment-dependent; Minimal hepatic encephalopathy: preclinical manifestations that require special means of diagnosis. It was formerly called latent encephalopathy and sub-clinical encephalopathy.
Symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy
Symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy can be:
- Slowing of thought; Drowsiness; Tremors; Motor uncoordination; Behavioral disorders; Yellow skin and eyes; Swollen abdomen; Bad breath; Frequent forgetfulness; Mental confusion; Worsening in writing.
These symptoms can appear little by little and appear suddenly, in people with hepatic impairment.
For the diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy, several blood tests, computed tomography, magnetic resonance and electroencephalograms must be performed.
Main causes
The causes of hepatic encephalopathy are related to liver malfunction. Some situations that can trigger hepatic encephalopathy are:
- Excessive consumption of proteins; Inadequate intake of diuretics; Alteration in the electrolytes of the bloodstream as may occur in the case of bulimia or dehydration; Bleeding from the esophagus, stomach or intestine; Excessive intake of alcoholic beverages; Kidney disease.
Misuse of medications can also cause this disease, especially in people with liver problems.
Treatment for hepatic encephalopathy
The treatment for hepatic encephalopathy is to discover its cause and then eliminate it. It may be necessary to decrease your protein intake and medication should be taken correctly. Some medicines that can be used are: Lactulose, neomycin, rifaximin. Learn more details and how is the proper food for this disease.
