What is encephalopathy of the liver?
What is encephalopathy of the liver?
Hepatic encephalopathy is a nervous system disorder brought on by severe liver disease. When the liver doesn’t work properly, toxins build up in the blood. These toxins can travel to the brain and affect brain function. People with hepatic encephalopathy may seem confused.
What causes liver encephalopathy?
The exact cause of hepatic encephalopathy is unknown. However, it’s usually triggered by a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream. This occurs when your liver fails to break down toxins properly. Your liver removes toxic chemicals such as ammonia from your body.
How does hepatic encephalopathy cause death?
Coma and seizures represent the most advanced stage; cerebral oedema (swelling of the brain tissue) leads to death. Encephalopathy often occurs together with other symptoms and signs of liver failure.
What is the treatment for encephalopathy?
A doctor may recommend surgery to treat encephalopathy. Once a doctor has determined the cause of a person’s encephalopathy, they can recommend the best treatment. The doctor may suggest various medications to slow the progression of the damage. In some cases, people may require surgery.
Is encephalopathy life threatening?
Encephalopathy can be mild or severe, which is life threatening. What is important to understand is that encephalopathy doesn’t necessarily cause death. Instead, it’s the underlying medical problem that causes a sufferer to die. For example, if someone suffers from alcoholism, and this leads to liver damage.
Why is lactulose used for hepatic encephalopathy?
In higher doses, lactulose is also prescribed by doctors to people with severe liver disease such as cirrhosis. In this situation the lactulose is used to treat problems with brain function (hepatic encephalopathy and hepatic coma), which are a potential complication of liver disease.
