Encephalopathy: Difference between revisions
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==[[ | ==[[Encephalopathy classification scheme| Classification]]== | ||
==Causes== | ==[[Encephalopathy causes| Causes]]== | ||
Encephalopathy alters brain function and/or structure.It may be caused by an infectious agent ([[bacterium|bacteria]], [[virus]], or [[prion]]), [[metabolism|metabolic]] or [[mitochondrion|mitochondrial]] dysfunction, [[brain tumor]] or increased [[intracranial pressure]], prolonged exposure to toxins (including solvents, drugs, [[alcohol]], paints, industrial chemicals, and certain metals), radiation, chronic progressive trauma, poor nutrition, or lack of [[oxygen]] or blood flow to the brain. It is also known that concomitant use of [[lithium]] with other neuroleptics may, in rare cases, cause encephalopathy. | Encephalopathy alters brain function and/or structure.It may be caused by an infectious agent ([[bacterium|bacteria]], [[virus]], or [[prion]]), [[metabolism|metabolic]] or [[mitochondrion|mitochondrial]] dysfunction, [[brain tumor]] or increased [[intracranial pressure]], prolonged exposure to toxins (including solvents, drugs, [[alcohol]], paints, industrial chemicals, and certain metals), radiation, chronic progressive trauma, poor nutrition, or lack of [[oxygen]] or blood flow to the brain. It is also known that concomitant use of [[lithium]] with other neuroleptics may, in rare cases, cause encephalopathy. | ||
Revision as of 16:03, 19 July 2012
Encephalopathy | |
Binswangers Subcortical Encephalopathy: Gross fixed tissue horizontal section cerebral hemispheres at level of genu internal capsule Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology | |
MeSH | D001927 |
Encephalopathy |
Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
Encephalopathy On the Web |
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Encephalopathy |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] ; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Classification
Causes
Encephalopathy alters brain function and/or structure.It may be caused by an infectious agent (bacteria, virus, or prion), metabolic or mitochondrial dysfunction, brain tumor or increased intracranial pressure, prolonged exposure to toxins (including solvents, drugs, alcohol, paints, industrial chemicals, and certain metals), radiation, chronic progressive trauma, poor nutrition, or lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain. It is also known that concomitant use of lithium with other neuroleptics may, in rare cases, cause encephalopathy.
Diagnosis
Symptoms
The hallmark of encephalopathy is an altered mental state. The symptoms may vary depending on the type and severity of encephalopathy, but common neurological symptoms include:
- Progressive loss of memory and cognitive ability
- Subtle personality changes
- Inability to concentrate
- Lethargy
- Progressive loss of consciousness
Physical Examination
- Myoclonus (involuntary twitching of a muscle or group of muscles)
- Nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movement)
- Tremor
- Muscle atrophy and weakness
- Dementia
- Seizure
- Loss of ability to swallow
- Loss of ability to speak
Diagnosis
Blood tests, spinal fluid examination by lumbar puncture, imaging studies, electroencephalography.
Therapy
Treatment is symptomatic and varies, according to the type and severity of the encephalopathy. Anticonvulsants may be prescribed to reduce or halt any seizures. Changes to diet and nutritional supplements may help some patients. In severe cases, dialysis or organ replacement surgery may be needed.
Prognosis
Treating the underlying cause of the disorder may improve or reverse symptoms. However, in some cases, the encephalopathy may cause permanent structural changes and irreversible damage to the brain. Some encephalopathies can be fatal.
References
See also
Template:CNS diseases of the nervous system
de:Enzephalopathie id:Ensefalopati it:Encefalopatia nl:Encefalopathie