What Is Encephalopathy?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
3. What Are the Irreversible Types of Encephalopathy?
Fortunately, most types of encephalopathy are reversible. However, there are some that can cause permanent brain damage. Irreversible types of encephalopathy include hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen for so long that it leads to brain damage. This can happen after a drug overdose, near-drowning incident, cardiac arrest or carbon monoxide poisoning. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy occurs after repeated head injuries that cause damage to the brain. It has been linked to football, boxing and other high-impact sports.
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