Encephalopathy Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Encephalopathy is a general term for diseases that affect the function or structure of the brain. There are many types of encephalopathies and brain diseases. In some types, some are permanent and some are only temporary. In addition, there are several types that appear from birth and never change.
Generally, this disease can not be cured. However, early and appropriate treatment can help control symptoms and prevent the sufferer’s condition from getting worse.
Symptoms
Encephalopathy symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity. In general, symptoms can include:
1. Problems with memory and focus
2. Disturbed ability to solve problems
3. Personality changes
4. Jesus
5. Sleepy
6. Muscle weakness in one area
7. Difficulty making decisions or concentrating
8. Involuntary wrinkles
9. shaking
10. Difficulty speaking or swallowing
11. seizures
12. Come
13. Death
Reason
The causes of encephalopathy depend on the type of encephalopathy, such as:
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
This encephalopathy occurs when there is multiple trauma or injuries to the brain. This trauma can cause nerve damage to the brain. This type of encephalopathy is often found in boxers, soccer players or members of the military.
- Glycine encephalopathy
Glycine encephalopathy is an inherited genetic disease in which glycine levels are too high in the brain. Glycine is one of the amino acids. This disease appears immediately after birth.
- Hashimoto’s encephalopathy
This type of encephalopathy is rare and is associated with Hashimoto’s disease. Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid organ.
- Hepatic encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy is caused by liver disease. When the liver is not functioning properly, toxins cannot be removed from the body. Thus, it accumulates in the blood and can spread to the brain.
- Hypertensive encephalopathy
Hypertensive encephalopathy is caused by long-standing untreated hypertension. Thus, the brain can become swollen which can lead to brain damage and hypertensive encephalopathy.
- Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is caused when the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. As a result, the brain can suffer permanent damage. One example of a case is a fetus exposed to alcohol.
- Metabolic toxic encephalopathy
Metabolic toxic encephalopathy is caused by infection, poison or organ failure. Electrolyte and hormonal imbalances in the body can have an impact on brain function. Infections and poisons also affect the brain. Usually, the encephalopathy will resolve when the cause is eliminated.
- Infectious encephalopathy
This transmissible infectious encephalopathy is also known as a prion disease. Prions are natural body proteins, but they can mutate and cause diseases that gradually damage and decrease your brain function (neurodegenerative diseases). Prion diseases include chronic wasting disease, fatal familial insomnia, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Usually, sufferers will die within 3 months to several years after being exposed to this disease.
- Uremic encephalopathy
Uremic encephalopathy is caused by kidney failure. So that there is a buildup of uremia toxins in the blood.
- Wernicke’s encephalopathy
Wernicke’s encephalopathy or Wernicke’s disease is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1. Some of the causes include long-term alcohol use, poor nutrition and food malabsorption.
Diagnosis
The doctor will first find out about the history of the disease and the symptoms of encephalopathy that appear. A physical examination is also performed to check for both mental and neurological symptoms.
Investigations will be carried out if the doctor suspects brain disease. Blood tests to detect the presence of disease, bacteria, viruses, poisons, hormonal or chemical imbalances and prions. Examination of the spinal fluid may be done to look for disease, bacteria, viruses, toxins, and prions. CT scans and MRIs are done to detect brain abnormalities or damage. An electroencephalogram or EEG is done to check the electrical activity of the brain.
Treatment
Treatment for encephalopathy varies, depending on the cause. Treatment includes the use of drugs to reduce symptoms and drugs or surgery to treat the cause.
Some nutritional supplements can slow down the process of brain damage. A special diet is needed to treat causes such as electrolyte imbalances. Oxygen support is also given to the brain which is not getting enough oxygen.
Prevention
Some types of encephalopathy cannot be prevented, such as encephalopathy that runs in families. But some other causes can be prevented, for example:
- Avoid excessive use of alcohol
- Avoid toxic substances such as drugs
- Eat healthy food
- Check with your doctor regularly