Diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatic encephalopathy

Abstract

Neuropsychiatric abnormalities affecting patients with chronic liver disease are termed chronic hepatic encephalopathy. They involve neurotransmitter changes, rather than a structural disorder of the brain. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings, and electroencephalographic and psychometric testing. There is no 'specific' treatment, but there are a number of non-specific measures that can be used.