But it’s not always the case.
One system indirectly impacted by liver disease is the central nervous system, and most specifically the brain.
These ammonia particles then spread throughout the bloodstream and pass through the semi-permeable membrane that that surrounds the brain.
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Death is usually due to the severe swelling of the brain (called cerebral edema).
Each of these classifications assists in determining the appropriate course of action in treating the condition.
Diagnosis is made by excluding all other possible causes of neurological impairment.
Treatment is typically focused on resolving any underlying condition which may have triggered or exacerbated an attack.
At other times, termination of a certain drug or the treatment of constipation can significantly improve neurological symptoms.
Additionally, lactulose is commonly prescribed as first-line therapy to reduce the production of ammonia in the intestines.
The prognosis for a person with hepatic encephalopathy can vary significantly.
U.S. National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus.Loss of brain function: liver disease.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Hepatic Encephalopathy.
Bleibel W, Al-Osaimi AM.Hepatic encephalopathy.Saudi J Gastroenterol.
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Shaker M, Carey WD.Hepatic encephalopathy.
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Patidar KR, Bajaj JS.Covert and overt hepatic encephalopathy: diagnosis and management.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol.
2015;13(12):2048-2061. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2015.06.039
