What is encephalopathy?

Encephalopathy is a general term describing a disease that affects the function or structure of your brain. There are many types of encephalopathy and brain disease. Some types are permanent and some are temporary. Some types are present from birth and never change, while others are acquired after birth and may get progressively worse.

What are the symptoms of encephalopathy?

Your symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of your encephalopathy.

Mental changes

You may have difficulty with memory or focusing. You may also have trouble with problem-solving skills.

Other people may notice symptoms in you before you do. A changing personality is one such symptom. For example, you may be more outgoing than you were before the encephalopathy. You may be more or less calm than you were before the disease.

You could also be lethargic and drowsy.

Neurological symptoms

Possible neurological symptoms include:

• Muscle weakness in one area
• Poor decision-making or concentration
• Involuntary twitching
• Trembling
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing
• Seizures

When should I seek medical help?

You should see a doctor right away if you experience symptoms of encephalopathy. If you are already receiving treatment for brain disease, be aware of the following signs:

• Severe confusion
• Severe disorientation
• Coma

These can be signs of a medical urgency. They may mean that your condition is getting worse.

How is encephalopathy diagnosed?

To diagnose encephalopathy, your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history and your symptoms. They will also perform a medical exam to check for mental and neurological symptoms.

If your doctor suspects that you have brain disease, they may conduct tests to determine the causes and severity of your disease. Tests may include:

• Blood tests to detect diseases, bacteria, viruses, toxins, hormonal or chemical imbalance, or prions
• Spinal tap (your doctor will take a sample of your spinal fluid to look for diseases, bacteria, viruses, toxins, or prion)
• CT or MRI scan of your brain to detect abnormalities or damage
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) test to measure the electrical activity in your brain

How is encephalopathy treated?

The treatment for encephalopathy varies depending on what caused it. Treatment may include medications to treat your symptoms and medications or surgery to treat the underlying cause.

Your doctor may recommend nutritional supplements to slow the damage to your brain, or a special diet to treat underlying causes. In some cases of the disease, such as when the brain does not receive enough oxygen, you may slip into a coma. In severe cases like this, your doctor may put you on life support to keep you alive.