What is hepatic encephalopathy and how bad is it?

HEPATIC ENCEPHALPATH: Hepatic encephalopathy is another description of hepatic coma and it is very very serious condition and can be fatal.It is caused by liver failure due to chronic liver disease, commonest of that is alcoholic cirrhosis.

Liver -brain problem: Hepatic encephalopathy is a kind of delirium, or brain malfunction caused by liver disease. When the liver is not working toxins are produced or not adequately cleared by the liver. These toxins cause brain problems, ranging from lethargy and confusion, to coma, and even (if the liver failure is acute) brain swelling and death. The exact mechanism is not fully known. There is treatment though.

Altered mentation: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a chronic condition leading to confusion when toxins build up in the body due to cirrhosis of the liver. Of these toxins, ammonia seems to play a major role. Usually having 2-3 bowel movements a day with help of medications (decreases ammonia) and can control symptoms of HE. See a liver doctor to discuss other causes resulting in HE.