Hepatic Encephalopathy: Information for Patients with Liver Disease

Hepatic encephalopathy is a serious complication of cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Dr. Joseph Galati, with Houston Methodist, explains the basics of hepatic encephalopathy, and reviews risk factors and treatment options. Patients that develop hepatic encephalopathy in many cases require consideration for liver transplant. Once hepatic encephalopathy develops, it is generally a signal that the liver is in the advancing stages of damage, and there is a decreased survival associated with it. There are medications available to treat hepatic encephalopathy.

Symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy include fatigue, difficulty sleeping, excessive sleep, memory loss, changes in behavior and personality, confusion, and possible coma.