Causes of Hepatic Encephalopathy?

Do you or someone you know have Cirrhosis and are confused, disorientated, or seem generally off? If so, they may be suffering from Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE). Watch this video to find out more about the condition!

What is HE and what are the symptoms? Confusion is a big sign, but there are many others, like disorientation, changing of schedules, decreased attention span, difficulty completing tasks or following conversations, and forgetfulness. How are the confusion of HE distinguished from other conditions where confusion is a symptom?

When does HE come on fast or does it develop over time? Are the symptoms different in these cases? What about ammonia levels - does that lab level correlate to HE?

Are there diagnostic tests or labs that can be ordered to help diagnose HE?

It is also very important to determine why a patient has HE. The kidneys are important to evaluate to make sure they are functioning well when the liver is injured. But what if the liver and kidneys are failing at the same time? Is there an infection that can be causing this? How do the liver and kidneys act during an infection and how is their function affected?

What are other causes to consider when a patient has recurrent HE and it is difficult to treat?

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DISCLAIMER: While I am a Gastroenterologist, I am not acting as your Gastroenterologist. The information provided on this channel is intended to be general educational content and not directed towards any one individual. If you believe you have a medical condition that deserves attention please seek care from your healthcare provider. If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, call 911.