Hepatic encephalopathy is a syndrome which comes under the category of neuro-psychiatric disorder or syndrome. Or in other words, it is one of the types of neuro-psychiatric disorders or syndrome. In hepatic encephalopathy, there occurs disturbed consciousness and behaviour along with some personality changes. There is also found asterixis, which is a kind of tremors. Along with asterixis there is also found fluctuating neurologic signs.
Causes-
1. Various toxic substances reaching the brain.
2. Severe hepatocellular dysfunction.
3. Increased permeability of blood brain barrier.
4. Intrahepatic and extrahepatic shunting of portal venous blood into systemic circulation.
5. Increased dietary protein.
6. Hypokalaemia or hyponatraemia may predispose or in other words increase the risk of hepatic encephalopathy.
7. Surgical shunts.
Investigations-
1. Blood ammonia test.
2. EEG test.
3. Cerebrospinal fluid test.
4. Liver function tests.
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