Encephalopathy
Overview
Causes
There are many causes. Some common ones are:
- Infection
- Head injury
- Brain tumor or pressure in the brain
- Poor nutrition
- Exposure to toxins
- No oxygen or blood flow to the brain
Oxygen and Blood Flow to the Brain |
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Encephalopathy can happen when the brain does not get oxygen and blood. |
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SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
The main problem is a change in mental state, such as:
- Memory loss that happens quickly or over time
- Lack of focus
- Problems thinking
- Confusion
- Mood changes
- Behavior changes
Other problems may be:
- Being very tired
- Muscle weakness and unsteadiness
- Lack of muscle control, such as jerking or twitching
- Shaking
- Moving the eyes without control
- Seizures
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask you or your caregiver about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
These tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis and find the cause:
- Blood tests
- Lumbar puncture to test the fluid around the brain and spine
- CT scan or MRI scan—to look for changes in the brain
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)—a test that records the brain’s electrical activity
Treatments
Treatment
The cause will need to be treated. This may be done with:
- Medicine, such as antibiotics to treat infections
- Dietary changes
- Dialysis to remove toxins from the blood
- An organ transplant
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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