Encephalopathy
- Encephalopathy Overview
- Encephalopathy Causes
- Encephalopathy Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Encephalopathy Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Author and Editor
Encephalopathy Overview
Encephalopathy is a broad term used to describe abnormal brain function or structure. (Encephalo= brain +pathy= disorder). The abnormality may be transient, recurrent, or permanent. The loss of brain function may be reversible, static and stable, or progressive with increasing loss of brain activity.
Normal brain function
Brain cells are linked together with neurons called axons and dendrites covered in myelin sheaths. The electrical impulses work together with chemical receptors to allow brain activity to translate in to thought and action. Different locations in the brain specialize with respect to function, for example, vision function is located in the occipital lobes, speech production in Broca's area in the lower part of the frontal lobe, speech recognition is located in Wernicke's area of the temporal lobe, and the motor strip in the parietal lobes of each hemisphere.
The brain also requires blood flow to provide oxygen and glucose to function. Other chemicals, nutrients and vitamins are needed for long term normal function.
Abnormalities and conditions that affect brain function
- The brain develops quickly in a
fetus as it grows in a
mother's uterus; and any disruption in this growth
and development may lead to encephalopathy.
- Abnormalities in anatomic structure, electrical, and chemical function may
lead to altered mental function and encephalopathy.
- Poisoning of brain tissue
and cells may also affect function. This poison may be produced within the body,
for example from liver or kidney failure, or it may be ingested
intentionally or unintentionally.
Examples of intentional ingestion include
alcohol intoxication or
drug abuse.
Examples of unintentional ingestion include
carbon monoxide poisoning, medications, or toxic substances
such as lead paint.
- It may be due to a birth defect (a genetic abnormality causing abnormal brain structure or chemical activity with symptoms being found at birth), or it may be evident towards the end of life due to disease, such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
Depending upon the cause, encephalopathy can occur at any age. Symptoms may present as a form of altered mental status including confusion and loss of memory, or a physical problem such as weakness or numbness of a body part, loss of muscle, uncoordinated movements, seizure, or any combination of the above. The symptoms depend on what part of the brain is being affected, and how much or how little it continues to function.
Next: Encephalopathy Causes »
Important Safety Information
Vimpat (lacosamide) is a medicine that is used with other medicines to treat partial onset seizures in patients 17 years of age and older with epilepsy. Vimpat is generally well-tolerated, but may not be for everyone. Ask your doctor if Vimpat is right for you. Antiepileptic drugs, including Vimpat, may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have new or worsening symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts about self harm that you have never had before or may be worse than before. Please see additional patient information in the Medication Guide at the end of the full prescribing information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your condition or your treatment. Please see additional Patient Safety Information
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Encephalopathy
Ascites Overview
The organs of the abdomen are contained in a sac or membrane called the peritoneum. Normally the peritoneal cavity contains no fluid, although in women a small amount (20ml, or less than an ounce) can occasionally be found depending on the menstrual cycle. Ascites is the term used to denote a fluid collection in the peritoneal cavity, a situation that is not normal.
There are a variety of diseases that can cause the fluid to accumulate and the reasons that the ascites occurs may be different for each disease. Cancer that spreads to the peritoneum can cause direct leakage of fluid, while other illnesses cause an excess accumulation of water and sodium in the body. This fluid can eventually leak into the peritoneal cavity.
Most commonly, ascites is due to liver disease and the inability of that organ to produce enough protein to retain fluid in the bloodstream. Normally, water is held in the bloodstream by oncotic pres...


