Encephalopathy refers to disease or damage of the brain that affects brain function or structure.
For some causes of encephalopathy, the brain changes are reversible and, in some cases, the damage is permanent. How long encephalopathy lasts varies widely and depends on the cause and severity.
Causes of encephalopathy that may be reversible include:
- Liver disease
- Thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s encephalopathy)
- Metabolic conditions
- Infection
- Brain tumor
- Prolonged exposure to toxic elements (such as solvents, drugs, radiation, paints, industrial chemicals, and certain metals)
- Seizures that do not cause any physical symptoms (nonconvulsive status epilepticus)
- Increased pressure in the skull
- Poor nutrition
Causes of encephalopathy that may not be reversible include:
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) caused by repeated head injuries
- Lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy) which may occur due to:
What Are Symptoms of Encephalopathy?
17 symptoms of encephalopathy include:
- Altered mental state
- Difficulties with cognitive ability
- Progressive loss of memory
- Inability to concentrate
- Subtle personality changes
- Lethargy
- Drowsiness
- Progressive loss of consciousness
- Neurological symptoms
- Involuntary twitching of a muscle or group of muscles (myoclonus)
- Rapid, involuntary eye movement (nystagmus)
- Muscle weakness and atrophy
- Tremor
- Dementia
- Seizures
- Difficulty speaking
- Loss of ability to swallow
How Is Encephalopathy Diagnosed?
Encephalopathy is diagnosed with a patient history and physical examination and tests such as:
- Neuropsychological testing
- Memory
- Concentration
- Focus
- Organization
- Mental tasks
- Blood tests
- Spinal fluid examination
- Imaging tests
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Electroencephalograms
What Is the Treatment for Encephalopathy?
Treatment for encephalopathy depends on the cause, the type, and the severity and may be aimed at relieving symptoms. Treatments may include:
From 
Brain and Nervous System Resources
References
Image Source: iStock Images
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Encephalopathy-Information-Page
https://lecom.edu/content/uploads/2020/03/14-Encephalopathy-Types-Causes-Symptoms-and-Treatment.pdf
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Encephalopathy-Information-Page
https://lecom.edu/content/uploads/2020/03/14-Encephalopathy-Types-Causes-Symptoms-and-Treatment.pdf