Hepatic Encephalopathy

By Merck Manuals.

Hepatic encephalopathy (portosystemic encephalopathy, liver encephalopathy, or hepatic coma) is deterioration of brain function that occurs because toxic substances normally removed by the liver build up in the blood and reach the brain.

• Hepatic encephalopathy may be triggered by bleeding in the digestive tract, an infection, failure to take drugs as prescribed, or another stress in people who have a long-standing (chronic) liver disorder.
• People become confused, disoriented, and drowsy, with changes in personality, behavior, and mood.
• Doctors base the diagnosis on symptoms, results of the examination, and response to treatment.
• Eliminating the trigger, eating less meat, and taking lactulose (a laxative) and rifaximin (an antibiotic) may help symptoms resolve.

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