Liver Encephalopathy

Liver Encephalopathy

(self diagnosis, which is why it isn't good to be an internet doc!)


Liver encephalopathy (portal-systemic encephalopathy, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatic coma) is a disorder in which brain function deteriorates because toxic substances normally removed by the liver build up in the blood.
Substances absorbed into the bloodstream from the intestines pass through the liver, where toxins are normally removed. Many of these toxins are normal breakdown products of the digestion of protein. In liver encephalopathy, toxins are not removed because liver function is impaired. Also, some toxins may bypass the liver altogether through connections formed between the portal venous system (which supplies blood to the liver) and the general (systemic) venous system as a result of liver disease. A surgical bypass (portal-systemic shunt) to correct portal hypertension may have the same effect. Whatever the cause, the outcome is the same: Toxins can pass to the brain and affect its function. Exactly which substances are toxic to the brain is not known; however, high levels of protein breakdown products in the blood, such as ammonia, appear to play a role.
In a person with long-standing (chronic) liver disease, encephalopathy is usually triggered by an event such as an acute infection or an alcoholic binge, which increases liver damage. Or encephalopathy may be triggered by eating too much protein, which increases the levels of protein breakdown products in the blood. Bleeding in the digestive tract, such as from dilated, twisted veins in the esophagus (esophageal varices), can also lead to a buildup of protein breakdown products, which may directly affect the brain. Certain drugs—especially some sedatives, analgesics, and diuretics—may also trigger encephalopathy. When such a precipitating cause is removed, the encephalopathy may disappear.

I am trying to post once again on my blog. This has been extremely difficult for me because my brain function is having a difficult time maintaining some sense or normalacy. I have been on the computer I know for hours today trying to get this done. It is ironic how my brain seemed so withit and now I can't seem to formulate an opinion. Appraently from what I am getting the toxins are becoming hard to deal with. I am told by my brother (hospice nurse) normal. I work a lot at trying to keep things in order in my mind. I am falling more than I desire and have obtained a walking cain so I dont end up in an ERI situation unnecessarily. I am taking morphine and that seems to knocking a bit of the edge off. No pain to speak of, rather I know this body cannot take a whole lot physically. Course, been proven wrong before. Sorry about all the type'0s and hope you can read betweeen the lines.

God continues to give me a great amount of strength. As Margaret has said, I am working on not letting brusises take over my every bump into the wall. Keep us in your prayers... as I know you have. ICE CHIPS are my buddy right now. along with all of your and your strength.

Love to all. Will help to keep you up to date as I am able.

Much love,

Kerby