Encephalopathy natural history: Difference between revisions
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== Complications == | == Complications == | ||
Complications related to encephalopathy are due to the underlying disease process such as electrolyte imbalances, drugs and poisons, [[sepsis]] and multiorgan failure and can include: | |||
* [[Coma]] | * [[Coma]] | ||
Revision as of 13:42, 24 July 2012
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Encephalopathy |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Encephalopathy natural history On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Encephalopathy natural history |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Encephalopathy natural history |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] ; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Encephalopathies of different types have different ways of progression of disease. Few conditions can lead to abrupt onset and few develop over a period of time. Some types are completely reversible where are few cause irreversible damage and dysfunction. Most encephalopathies have similar kind of progression with little variation.
Natural History
Patients presenting with encephalopathy usually have history of any chronic disease or precipitating factors for encephalopathy. In conditions of stress or infections these factors lead to presentation of encephalopathy. Symptoms are quite varied among the different types of encephalopathies. They can be ranging from sub-clinical presentation to coma. Encephalopathies are the presentation of severe disease which if untreated never resolves on its own. Prompt identification and treatment are warranted in these conditions, if delayed chances of residual neurological effects are more.
Complications
Complications related to encephalopathy are due to the underlying disease process such as electrolyte imbalances, drugs and poisons, sepsis and multiorgan failure and can include:
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. Certain factors are of prognostic importance like:
- Age
- Rapidity of onset
- Delay in correcting the cause
- Most important is the underlying cause