Definition
Encephalopathy is a disease of the brain that causes problem with how it works. There are many types. A key sign is a change in mental state, such as confusion and sudden mood changes.
Causes
There are many causes. Some common ones are:
- Infection
- Head injury
- Brain tumor or pressure in the brain
- Poor nutrition
- Exposure to toxins
- 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. |
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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 problem 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 you or your caregiver about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
These tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis and find the cause:
- Blood tests
- Lumbar puncture to test the fluid around the brain and spine
- CT scan or MRI scan—to look for changes in the brain
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)—a test that records the brain’s electrical activity
Treatment
The cause will need to be treated. This may be done with:
- Medicine, such as antibiotics to treat infections
- Dietary 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 and fruits and veggies
- Not being around toxins
RESOURCES
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders http://www.niddk.nih.gov
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke http://www.ninds.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Liver Foundation http://www.liver.ca
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
References
Eencephalopathy information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Encephalopathy-Information-Page. Updated March 27, 2019. Accessed April 16, 2020.
Hepatic encephalopathy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hepatic-encephalopathy . Updated July 23, 2019. Accessed April 16, 2020.
Wijdicks EF. Hepatic Encephalopathy. N Engl J Med. 2016 Oct 27;375(17):1660-1670.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD
- Review Date: 02/2020
- Update Date: 04/16/2020