Description
Encephalopathy is a term used to describe a condition that results in abnormal brain function. Encephalopathy can be short-lived or more permanent. A wide variety of medical conditions such as hypoglycemia, a brain infection, liver failure, lack of oxygen, drug use and alcoholism can result in encephalopathy.
Symptoms
Symptoms include confusion, hallucinations, memory disturbance, lethargy and coma.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. Laboratory and imaging tests will often be performed to determine the cause of the encephalopathy.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Urine or serum toxicology screen
Other Specific Tests: Spinal fluid analysis
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Family Practice
Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. Laboratory and imaging tests will often be performed to determine the cause of the encephalopathy.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Urine or serum toxicology screen
Other Specific Tests: Spinal fluid analysis
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Family Practice
Treatment
Treatment is varied and is directed at the specific cause of encephalopathy. For example, encephalopathy may be treated with a change of diet and medications for hypoglycemia or liver failure, antibiotics for an infection, or just observation if the symptoms are related to drug or alcohol ingestion.