What're the symptoms of liver encephalopathy?
Symptoms of liver encephalopathy range from almost unnoticeable changes in personality, energy levels, and thinking patterns to deep coma. Disorders that mimic or mask symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy include alcohol intoxication,
sedative overdose, complicated alcohol withdrawal, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, subdural hematoma, meningitis, metabolic abnormalities such as low blood glucose.
Inability to reproduce a star or other simple design (apraxia) and deterioration of handwriting are common symptoms of early encephalopathy. Decreased brain function can also cause inappropriate behavior, lack of interest in personal grooming, mood swings, and uncharacteristically poor judgment. The patient may be less alert than usual and develop new sleep patterns. Movement and speech may be slow and labored.
As the disease progresses, patients become confused, drowsy, and disoriented. The breath and urine acquires a sweet, musky odor. The hands shake, the outstretched arms flap (asterixis or "liver flap"), and the patient may lapse into unconsciousness. As coma deepens, reflexes may be heightened (hyperreflexia). The toes sometimes splay when the sole of the foot is stroked (Babinski reflex). Agitation occasionally occurs in children and in adults who suddenly develop severe symptoms. Seizures are uncommon. |
