Loading icon
Health Information Center

Encephalopathy

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Encephalopathy

(Glycine Encephalopathy; Hepatic Encephalopathy; Statin Encephalopathy; Uremic Encephalopathy; Hashimoto Encephalopathy; Hypertensive Encephalopathy; Toxic-metabolic Encephalopathy)

Definition

Encephalopathy is a symptom that the brain is not working as it should. There are many types. A key aspect is a change in mental state, such as confusion and sudden mood changes.

Causes

Encephalopathy has many causes. Some common ones are:

  • Infection
  • Head injury
  • Brain tumor
  • Poor nutrition
  • Exposure to toxins, including alcohol and drugs
  • Kidney failure
  • Liver failure
  • No oxygen or blood flow to the brain
Oxygen and Blood Flow to the Brain.

Encephalopathy can happen when the brain does not get oxygen and blood.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

oxygen brain lungshttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=71787178oxygen brain lunngs.jpgoxygen brain lungsNULLjpgoxygen brain lungsNULL\\hgfiler01a\intellect\images\oxygen brain lunngs.jpgNULL83NULL2008-06-28400215Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Risk Factors

Risk factors depend on the type of encephalopathy a person has. For example, alcohol use disorder can put a person at risk for Wernicke encephalopathy.

Symptoms

The main symptom of encephalopathy is a change in mental state, such as:

  • Memory loss that happens quickly or over time
  • Lack of focus
  • Problems thinking
  • Confusion
  • Mood changes
  • Behavior changes

Other problems may be:

  • Being very tired
  • Muscle weakness and unsteadiness
  • Lack of muscle control, such as jerking or twitching
  • Shaking
  • Moving the eyes without control
  • Seizures

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.

These tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis and find the cause:

Treatment

The cause will need to be treated. This may be done with:

  • Medicine, such as antibiotics to treat infections
  • Diet changes
  • Dialysis to remove toxins from the blood
  • An organ transplant

Prevention

Many causes cannot be prevented. The risk of some causes may be lowered by:

  • Drinking alcohol in moderation
  • Eating a healthful diet that is rich in fruits and veggies
  • Not being around toxins
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Encephalopathy. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/encephalopathy.
  • Hepatic encephalopathy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hepatic-encephalopathy.
  • Wijdicks, E.F. Hepatic Encephalopathy. N Engl J Med, 2016; 375 (17): 1660-1670.

Contributors

  • Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated:
2022-11-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.