Encephalopathy natural history: Difference between revisions
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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: | 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 | * Age | ||
Revision as of 17:50, 20 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
Encephalopathies due to few conditions like electrolyte imbalances , drugs and poisons when treated accurately and promptly may recover completely with out any complications. Metabolic causes, organ failures, sepsis may progress to complications.
- Increase in intracranial pressure causing herniation
- Hypotonia - pediatric encephalopathies
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