Encephalopathy medical therapy

Encephalopathy
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]

Overview

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.

Medical therapy

• General management of patients is important. Stabilizing the patient and treating the specific cause is the basis of management.
• Airway , breathing and circulation are to be maintained well as the patient may deteriorate any time owing to brain dysfunction.
• All drugs which have potential of effecting brain function have to be discontinued.
• Haloperidol has to be given to prevent seizures as a prophylactic. But it has to be avoided in cases of alcohol withdrawal.
• In cases of alcoholic encephalopathy, thiamine should be administered as soon as possible.

Hepatic encephalopathy

Patients with hepatic encephalopathy are treated taking into account three things.

• General condition
  • Care of airways as they may go into respiratory distress any moment.
  • Prophylactic intubation
  • Treating the precipitants