This is a condition that usually occurs secondary to advanced liver disease and is marked by a disturbance of mental functioning. Hepatic means "of the liver" and Encephalopathy means "a disorder of the brain."

Hepatic encephalopathy is the result of biochemical abnormalities associated with liver failure. Although disturbed ammonia metabolism is one component of hepatic encephalopathy, it is clear that ammonia is not solely responsible for the disturbed mental status.

Encephalopathy is the...