About this topic
This condition is short-term or lifelong damage of the brain. It takes place when the liver is no longer able to take away harmful toxins in the blood. It is caused by other health problems that involve the liver. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take all drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Reduce effects of harmful toxins
- Fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Balance the amount of protein you eat each day. Talk to your doctor about how much protein is right for you.
- Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) and smoking.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.
What problems could happen?
- Lifelong organ damage
- Increased chance of having heart, kidney, lung, and blood problems
- Coma
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Call your doctor if you have or think you have liver problems. Get early treatment right away. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- If your condition gets worse or you feel worse, go to the ER right away
- Signs of liver problems. These include upset stomach or throwing up, belly pain, feeling tired, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, not hungry.
- Signs of any change in thinking
- Signs of mental and emotional problems
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
Where can I learn more?
American Liver Foundation ‚
http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/hepaticencephalopathy/ ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/1246/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚