What Is Hepatic Encephalopathy?
1. What Is Hepatic Encephalopathy?
Hepatic encephalopathy is a loss of brain function that occurs when a diseased or damaged liver no longer removes toxins from the blood. Without removal, the toxins in the bloodstream travel to various areas of the body, including the brain.
Once in the brain, toxic blood can cause a decline in brain function. Fortunately, brain function can often be restored with prompt treatment and is usually a temporary condition. Complete recovery is possible if the encephalopathy is triggered by an underlying cause that is reversible. For permanent underlying causes, continuous treatment may be required to keep the condition under control.
