Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Digestive system organs

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Hepatic encephalopathy

Alternative Names: Hepatic coma; Encephalopathy - hepatic Symptoms: changes in mental state, consciousness, behavior, personality forgetfulness confusion, disorientation delirium (acute, severe confusion with fluctuating level of consciousness) dementia (loss of memory, intellect, reasoning, and other functions) changes in mood decreased alertness, daytime sleepiness decreased responsiveness, progressive stupor coma decreased self-care ability deterioration of handwriting or loss of other small hand movements coarse muscle tremors muscle stiffness or rigidity seizures (rare) speech impairment movement, uncontrollable movement, dysfunctional agitation Signs and tests: Neurologic symptoms may fluctuate. Coarse, "flapping" muscle tremor may be observed during voluntary movement, such as when the person attempts to hold the arms out in front of the body (also exhibited as a positive Babinski's reflex). Text Continues Below Mental status examination will be abnormal, particularly cognitive tasks such as connecting numbers with lines. Liver disease may be known or may be suspected, and signs of liver disease such as jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) and ascites (fluid collection in the abdomen) may be noted. Occasionally, there is a characteristic musty odor to the breath and the urine. Blood tests may be nonspecific, or may show liver failure. Blood chemistry may show low albumin, high bilirubin, or other abnormalities. Serum ammonia levels are usually high. Prothrombin time may be prolonged and not correctable with Vitamin K. CT scan of the head may be normal, or may show general atrophy (loss of tissue). EEG (electroencephalogram, a reading of electrical activity in the brain) shows characteristic abnormalities.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.