Hepatic encephalopathy – Portosistemnaâ encephalopathy

What is hepatic encephalopathy?

Hepatic encephalopathy – syndrome, which deteriorates the brain, There are problems of mental plan. The reason for this is the liver disease. Hepatic encephalopathy may be temporary or permanent.

Causes of hepatic encephalopathy

In some diseases of the liver cannot purify the blood of harmful substances and toxins. These toxins accumulate in the blood, and then get into the brain and affect its normal functioning.

Risk factors of hepatic encephalopathy

Factors, that increase the likelihood of developing liver encephalopathy include:

• Cirrhosis of the liver;
• Some diseases, that affect the level of fluids and electrolytes in the body, such as hyponatremia and hyperkalemia;
• Renal failure;
• Infection;
• Gastrointestinal bleeding;
• Taking certain medications, such as sedatives and antiepileptic drugs;
• Constipation;
• Hepatitis – infectious or autoimmune.

Hepatic encephalopathy – symptoms

In the early stages of liver encephalopathy symptoms may be absent. When the frustration starts to progress, There are different symptoms:

• Changes in behaviour and personality disorder;
• Deterioration of concentration;
• Depression or anxiety;
• Sleeping problems;
• Fatigue;
• Forgetfulness;
• Disorientation;
• Nečlenorazdel′naâ it;
• Uncontrolled movements, in particular, hand tremor;
• Confusion;
• Loss of consciousness.

If you have problems with the liver and any of the above symptoms, consult a doctor.

Hepatic encephalopathy – diagnostics

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, perform a physical examination. Will also be rated by the nervous system and mental health.

The doctor may prescribe tests to assess the functioning of liver and kidney. For this purpose, applied:

• Liver trial;
• Testing kidney function;
• Taking pictures of the liver.

To assess the State of the brain and nervous system uses the following procedure:

• Taking pictures of the brain with MRI or CT;
• Electroencephalogram (EEG), to explore the nature of brainwave entrainment for evidence of encephalopathy and/or convulsions;
• Lumbar puncture, to look for other causes of encephalopathy.

Hepatic encephalopathy – treatment

Hospitalization and emergency medical care in hepatic encephalopathy

Initial treatment is focused on treating the underlying disease, that caused the encephalopathy. If possible, blood toxins will be removed or neutralised.

Medicinal preparations for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy

Medications can be used to:

• Neutralize toxins (such as ammonia) in the gut;
• Removal of blood from the intestines;
• Reductions in ammonia formulation intestinal bacteria;
• Reduce the number of bacteria, producing ammonia;
• Treatment of disease, that has led to the emergence of encephalopathy;
• Reduce the number and duration of attacks.

Dietary restrictions with hepatic encephalopathy

For the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy doctor may make changes in diet. Sometimes filing for nutrients may need to be feeding through a tube (enteroalimentation), especially in the case of coma.

Roasted transplant

If hepatic encephalopathy due to liver failure, may need liver transplant.

Prevention of hepatic encephalopathy

To reduce the likelihood of developing liver encephalopathy:

• If you experience problems with the liver begin treatment at an early stage;
• If you have a liver disease, such as liver cirrhosis, regularly pass examination in hospital;
• Follow your doctor's instructions about taking medicines. Avoid them overdose;
• Avoid contact with poisons or toxins;
• Avoid excessive use of alcohol;
• Do not take drugs.