A condition in which brain function is impaired by the presence of toxic substances, absorbed from the colon, which are normally removed or detoxified by the liver. It occurs when the liver is severely damaged (as in cirrhosis) or bypassed. Symptoms include drowsiness, confusion, difficulty in performing tasks (e.g. writing), and coma. Treatment consists of stopping protein intake and giving antibiotics (to prevent bacterial production of toxins) and enemas and cathartics (to remove blood and nitrogenous products from the bowel, as well as toxins).
A neuropsychiatric syndrome caused by disease of the liver, and occurring most often in patients with cirrhosis. it also occurs in acute form in acute failure of liver function. The disorder is believed to be the result of biochemical disturbance of brain function, because the condition is reversible and pathological changes in brain tissue are rarely found. The patient’s intellect, personality, emotions and consciousness are altered; apathy, confusion, drowsiness, sometimes convulsions, speech disturbance and eventually coma mark the progress of the condition. The principles of treatment are to remove the precipitating causes. These include: uraemia; sedative, antidepressant and hypnotic drugs; gastrointestinal bleeding; too much protein in the diet; infection; and trauma (including surgical operations).
Hepatic encephalopathy is a brain disorder that occurs due to the accumulation of toxins in the body caused by liver failure.