Hepatic encephalopathy

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Hepatic coma; Encephalopathy - hepatic


Prevention

Treating liver disorders may prevent some cases of hepatic encephalopathy. Avoiding heavy drinking and intravenous drug use can prevent many liver disorders.

If there are any nervous system symptoms in a person with known or suspected liver disease, call for immediate medical attention.


References

Schuppan D, Afdhal NH. Liver cirrhosis. Lancet. 2008;371:838-851.

Munoz SJ. Hepatic encephalopathy. Med Clin North Am. 2008;795-812.



Review Date: 10/13/2009
Reviewed By: George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)