Encephalopathy (brain not working right from illness or toxins)

Overview

Treating the cause, like an infection or high ammonia from liver disease, often reverses it.

Older adults often show infection as sudden confusion (delirium).

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Sudden confusion or acting not like themselves

Less common

• Very sleepy
• Shaky hands

Look up a symptom: New confusion or not acting like themselves

When to get medical care

Causes

Organ failure, infection, toxins, low oxygen.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Older age

Possible complications

• Delirium

Diagnosis

Doctors look for the cause.

Questions you may be asked

• Medicines, alcohol, liver or kidney disease

The exam

A nerve exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Blood tests: Sugar, salt, ammonia, kidney and liver.
• Brain scan:
• EEG:

Treatment

Treatment targets the cause.

Self-care

• Bring all medicine bottles
• Stay with the person

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Hospital care is often needed.

Prevention

To lower risk:

• Take liver medicines as prescribed
• Avoid alcohol

Which doctor treats this

• Emergency doctors treat it first, in the ER.
• They may send you to a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Recovery time varies. Ask your care team when you can drive, lift, work, and exercise.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Learn CPR. Many hospitals and the Red Cross offer classes.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Often improves when the cause is treated.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• Medicine list

Questions to ask

• What caused this?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Encephalopathy (brain not working right from illness or toxins)