Encephalopathy

Encephalopathy refers to any condition that disrupts the normal functioning of the brain. It is a general term for all kinds of trauma, toxin buildup, infections, and metabolic problems that affect the brain. The most common symptom of encephalopathy is an altered mental state. Depending on the cause, encephalopathy may be temporary or permanent. It can also be acquired or inherited. Early treatment of many types of encephalopathy can bring significant improvement, including curing the disease completely. This article explains encephalopathy in further detail and goes over its symptoms, causes, and treatment. Reversible causes • Hashimoto’s encephalopathy: This is a • Brain tumor: This is the growth of unhealthy cells in the brain. One of the main • Hepatic encephalopathy: This is a • Toxic metabolic encephalopathy: This is a brain dysfunction that results from a chemical imbalance in the blood. It Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health • Uremic encephalopathy: This is a brain disorder that results from acute or chronic • Glycine encephalopathy: This is an inherited disease characterized by an excess of the It occurs when there is not enough enzyme to break up glycine in the body. • Brain infections: These occur when viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites attack the brain and cause What are the symptoms of encephalopathy? Symptoms of encephalopathy vary depending on the underlying cause. However, most people with the ...

Disease/ Disorder Definition Encephalopathy is a clinical state characterized by global cerebral dysfunction in the absence of structural brain disease. The causes are numerous and often multifactorial but include infections, metabolic disorders, mitochondrial disorders, brain tumor, increased intracranial pressure, chronic progressive trauma, poor nutrition, hypoxia, or prolonged exposure to toxic elements. 1 When etiology is known, then an etiology-specific term is used (i.e., hepatic encephalopathy). Often there are multiple potential contributing factors, and a more generic term is used (i.e., metabolic encephalopathy). Metabolic encephalopathy (ME) is one of the most common and broadly defined diagnoses encountered by physicians. ME is a group of neurologic disorders characterized by an alteration in mental status caused by the direct physiological consequences of a general underlying medical condition and/or pharmacogenetics. 2 Clinical presentation can vary from subtle executive dysfunction to coma with decorticate or decerebrate posturing. Disturbances of consciousness are not fully accounted for by structural brain injury or any preexisting or evolving dementia. 3,4,5, 6 Acute confusional state, delirium and encephalopathy may be used interchangeably in clinical practice; however, distinction should be made between the three. Confusion is an alteration in mentation from baseline which may present as impairment in memory, attention, or awareness. Importantly confus...

Encephalopathy Encephalopathy is a term for any diffuse disease of the brain that alters brain function or structure. Encephalopathy may be caused by infectious agent (bacteria, virus, or prion), metabolic or mitochondrial dysfunction, brain tumor or increased pressure in the skull, prolonged exposure to toxic elements (including solvents, drugs, radiation, paints, industrial chemicals, and certain metals), chronic progressive trauma, poor nutrition, or lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain. The hallmark of encephalopathy is an altered mental state. Depending on the type and severity of encephalopathy, common neurological symptoms are progressive loss of memory and cognitive ability, subtle personality changes, inability to concentrate, lethargy, and progressive loss of consciousness. Other neurological symptoms may include myoclonus (involuntary twitching of a muscle or group of muscles), nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movement), tremor, muscle atrophy and weakness, dementia, seizures, and loss of ability to swallow or speak. Blood tests, spinal fluid examination, imaging studies, electroencephalograms, and similar diagnostic studies may be used to differentiate the various causes of encephalopathy. Treatment Treatment is symptomatic and varies, according to the type and severity of the encephalopathy. Your physician can provide specific instructions for proper care and treatment. Anticonvulsants may be prescribed to reduce or halt any seizures. Changes to diet and...

What is encephalopathy? Encephalopathy is a general term describing a disease that affects the function or structure of your brain. There are many types of encephalopathy and brain disease. Some types are permanent and some are temporary. Some types are present from birth and never change, while others are acquired after birth and may get progressively worse. The following are some major types of encephalopathy, along with their causes. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy This type of encephalopathy occurs when there are multiple traumas or injuries to the brain. These blows to the head lead to nerve damage in the brain. It’s usually found in boxers, football players, or members of the military who have been injured in explosions. Glycine encephalopathy Glycine encephalopathy is a genetic, or inherited, condition in which there are abnormally high levels of glycine (an amino acid) in the brain. Symptoms of glycine encephalopathy usually appear in infants soon after birth. Hashimoto’s encephalopathy This is a rare type of encephalopathy that’s linked to an Hepatic encephalopathy Hepatic encephalopathy is a result of liver disease. When your liver isn’t functioning properly, the toxins that your liver usually removes from your body are instead allowed to build up in your blood, and can eventually reach your brain. Hypertensive encephalopathy Hypertensive encephalopathy is a result of severely Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy This condition is a type of brain damage that is cause...

Hepatic encephalopathy is a nervous system disorder brought on by severe liver disease. When the liver doesn’t work properly, toxins build up in the blood. These toxins can travel to the brain and affect brain function. People with hepatic encephalopathy may seem confused. Treatments can rid the body of toxins and reverse this temporary condition. Overview What is hepatic encephalopathy? Hepatic encephalopathy is an often-temporary neurological (nervous system) disorder due to chronic, severe People with hepatic encephalopathy may seem confused or have difficulty processing their thoughts. Treatments can remove the toxins and reverse the problem. As liver disease progresses, the condition may worsen and become less treatable. Hepatic encephalopathy is also known as portosystemic encephalopathy (PSE). Who might get hepatic encephalopathy? Up to 50% of people with Cirrhosis is a buildup of scar tissue in the liver. This scar tissue blocks blood flow and affects the liver’s ability to filter toxins, hormones and nutrients. What are the types of hepatic encephalopathy? There are three types of hepatic encephalopathy: • Type A is brought on by acute • Type B occurs in some people who have a shunt that connects two veins inside the liver without underlying liver disease. • Type C results from chronic liver disease and scarring (cirrhosis). Symptoms and Causes What causes hepatic encephalopathy? When you have liver disease, the liver struggles to filter natural toxins out of the ...

Overview What is encephalitis? Encephalitis is a brain inflammation that occurs due to an infection such as a virus or bacteria, medication or immune system malfunction. Encephalitis is a rare, often serious condition that requires timely care. How does encephalitis affect my body? Encephalitis causes physical symptoms like How is encephalitis different from meningitis? Both conditions are uncommon but severe. Some important differences are that: • Encephalitis occurs in the brain. • Meningitis affects the meninges. This delicate layer of tissue protects the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms and Causes What causes encephalitis? The type of encephalitis you experience depends on the cause. And there are many causes, including: • Viruses: Infections from herpes, enteroviruses, • Problem with the immune system: The immune system can mistakenly attack the brain, causing autoimmune encephalitis. • Bacteria and parasites: On rare occasions, these germs can cause bacterial encephalitis. What are encephalitis symptoms? You’ll likely experience physical and neurologic symptoms. Physical symptoms may include: • Fever. • Headache. • • Muscle weakness. • • Stiff neck. Neurologic encephalitis symptoms may include: • Behavior changes. • Confusion. • Difficulty speaking or moving. • Loss of consciousness. • Memory issues. • Seizures. • Sensitivity to light. Diagnosis and Tests When should I see a healthcare provider? The sooner you receive care, the better your chances of recovery. For mil...