Hepatic encephalopathy, also called portosystemic encephalopathy, is a neuro-psychiatric disorder in patients with severe liver disease. When liver failure leads to a buildup of toxic substances in the blood, these toxic substances—that would normally be removed by the liver—reach the brain and cause confusion, drowsiness, personality changes, mood changes and disorientation.
In advanced stages hepatic encephalopathy can lead to coma (called hepatic coma or coma hepaticum) and may eventually lead to death unless treated.
Hepatic encephalopathy is treatable. In some situations, like acute liver failure, the onset of hepatic encephalopathy may indicate the need for a liver transplant.
If you or a loved one has this condition, this informative book will guide you through the causes, tests and treatment options for this often debilitating disease.