Question

What are the stages of hepatic encephalopathy?

Answer 1

Hepatic encephalopathy is a deterioration of brain function caused by extreme liver disease. When the liver does not remove toxins from the bloodstream, it causes accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream, it can lead to brain damage.

Complete answer:
When a damaged liver fails to eliminate toxins from the blood, it causes brain damage.People with chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, are more likely to develop hepatic encephalopathy. Infection and dehydration are two popular triggers. Forgetfulness, uncertainty, and breath with a sweet or musty odour are common early symptoms. The severity of the symptoms determines the level of hepatic encephalopathy.

According to the West Haven Criteria, there are five phases of hepatic encephalopathy:
Stage 0: This is the starting stage. Symptoms are minor at this stage.
Step 1: The signs and symptoms are slight. Sleep disturbances like hypersomnia or insomnia.
Stage 2: Moderate symptoms. The person may feel disoriented or sluggish at this stage.
Stage 3: Serious symptoms. The person will be perplexed, and their personality may change.
Stage 4: The person goes into a coma.

Hepatic encephalopathy is often reversible with treatment. In fact, if the encephalopathy was caused by a reversible cause, complete recovery is probable. People with a chronic liver disease, on the other hand, are more likely to develop encephalopathy in the future.

Lactulose, a synthetic or man-made sugar, and some antibiotics are the two most common treatments for Hepatic encephalopathy. Lactulose and antibiotics are also used together.

Note: Any disruption of liver function that results in illness is referred to as liver disease. The liver is responsible for a number of vital functions in the body, and if it becomes ill or damaged, those functions can be lost, causing serious harm to the body. Hepatic disease is another term for liver disease.