is a nonspecific term describing a syndrome affecting the that causes these findings.
There are many different causes of encephalopathy. An example is ''hepatic encephalopathy'', which occurs in severe
Cirrhosis of the
Liver . A form of encephalopathy that has
Recently received a lot of coverage is
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE, "mad cow disease").
Encephalopathy alters brain function and/or structure. It may be caused by an infectious agent (
Bacteria ,
Virus , or
Prion ),
Metabolic or
Mitochondrial dysfunction,
Brain Tumor or increased
Intracranial Pressure , prolonged exposure to toxic elements (including solvents, drugs, radiation, paints, industrial chemicals, and certain metals), chronic progressive trauma, poor nutrition, or lack of
Oxygen or blood flow to the brain.
The hallmark of encephalopathy is an altered mental state. Depending on the type and severity of encephalopathy, common neurological symptoms are progressive loss of memory and cognitive ability, subtle personality changes, inability to concentrate, lethargy, and progressive loss of consciousness. Other neurological symptoms may include
Myoclonus (involuntary twitching of a muscle or group of muscles),
Nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movement), tremor, muscle
Atrophy and weakness,
Dementia ,
Seizure s, and loss of ability to swallow or speak.
Blood Test s, spinal fluid examination by
Lumbar Puncture , imaging studies,
Electroencephalograms and similar diagnostic studies may be used to differentiate the various causes of encephalopathy.
Encephalopathy due to acute liver failure is vitally important to define because emergency liver transplantation and/or artifical liver support can save life.The diagnosis is given by low level of factors of coagubility (V), intense jaundice and brain edema. Electroencephalogram can be useful.
Encephalopathy due to chronic liver failure is also easy to recognize and is frequently triggered by proteic intake or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Treatment is symptomatic and varies, according to the type and severity of the encephalopathy.
Anticonvulsant s may be prescribed to reduce or halt any seizures. Changes to diet and nutritional supplements may help some patients. In severe cases, dialysis or organ replacement surgery may be needed.
Treating the underlying cause of the disorder may improve or reverse symptoms. However, in some cases, the encephalopathy may cause permanent structural changes and irreversible damage to the brain. Some encephalopathies can be fatal.
- Adapted from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/encephalopathy/encephalopathy.htm
