ENCEPHALOPATHY
Encephalopathy is a term describing any disease of the brain that affects the structure and function of the brain.
- There are many types of encephalopathy with distinct causes. In some cases, encephalopathy can be a complication of another condition.
- Some types are temporary and some are permanent. Some types are congenital (present from birth) and never change, while others are acquired after birth and may get worse over time.
TYPES AND CAUSES OF ENCEPHALOPATHY
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy results from multiple trauma or injuries to the head, usually leading to nerve damage in the brain. This type is usually found in people who participate in contact sports such as boxers, footballers, or members of the military who have been injured in explosions.
Mitochondrial encephalopathy is a metabolic disorder that is caused by an alteration in the function of mitochondrial DNA. This type can affect many body systems, particularly the brain and nervous system.
Glycine encephalopathy is a genetic disorder involving abnormally high levels of glycine in the brain.
Hashimoto’s encephalopathy is a rare type of encephalopathy. This condition is linked to an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto’s disease, a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland (the gland responsible for producing many of the body’s regulating hormones).
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is a type of brain damage caused by severely reduced oxygen to the brain, leading to permanent brain damage or dysfunction.
Hepatic encephalopathy is a type arising from liver disease. it is caused by a buildup of toxins in the brain that can happen when the liver is not functioning properly.
Hypertensive encephalopathy is a type arising from severely increased high blood pressure that goes untreated for too long, resulting in swelling in the brain.
Uremic encephalopathy is a result of kidney failure. It is caused by buildup or high levels of uremic toxins in the blood when a person has kidney failure.
Toxic-metabolic encephalopathy is caused by the presence of an infection or the presence of toxic chemicals in the body that can impact or affect brain function.
Wernicke encephalopathy results from a vitamin B-1 deficiency. Vitamin B-1 deficiency can be caused by alcohol use disorder, malnutrition, and poor food absorption. If left untreated, Wernicke encephalopathy can result in Wernicke-Korsokoff syndrome.
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy is a collection of diseases all caused by prions. Prions are naturally occurring proteins in the body, but they can mutate and cause diseases that progressively damage the brain. Prion diseases include kuru, chronic wasting disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, fatal familial insomnia.
SYMPTOMS
The main symptom of encephalopathy is an altered mental state. This may involve:
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Forgetfulness
- Lack of concentration
- A changed personality such as behaving out of character
- Problems thinking or processing information
In addition to an altered mental state, neurologic symptoms may also occur. This may include:
- Seizures
- Trembling
- Involuntary twitching
- Muscle weakness
- A difficulty with speech or swallowing
- Rapid involuntary eye movement
Symptoms depend on the type of encephalopathy and its severity.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
To make a diagnosis, the doctor will review your medical history and ask questions about symptoms.
The doctor may also carry out tests including:
- Blood tests to detect toxins, bacteria, viruses, chemical imbalance, or prions.
- A spinal fluid examination. This procedure involves taking a sample of your spinal fluid to look for diseases, toxins, viruses, bacteria, or prions.
- Imaging scans such as MRI or CT scan to detect abnormalities or damage
- Electroencephalogram to measure the electrical activity in the brain.
TREATMENT
Treatment options vary on the underlying cause of encephalopathy
The doctor may suggest medications to slow down the progression of damage, and in some cases treat the underlying cause.
Surgery may also be required in some cases.
Nutritional supplements may be required to slow down damage to the brain or a special diet may be recommended to treat the underlying cause.
In cases where the brain does not receive sufficient oxygen and you slip into a coma, the doctor may put you on life support to keep you alive.