Hepatic Encephalopathy

**Definition:** A syndrome characterized by central nervous system dysfunction in association with LIVER FAILURE, including portal-systemic shunts. Clinical features include lethargy and CONFUSION (frequently progressing to COMA); ASTERIXIS; NYSTAGMUS, PATHOLOGIC; brisk oculovestibular reflexes; decorticate and decerebrate posturing; MUSCLE SPASTICITY; and bilateral extensor plantar reflexes (see REFLEX, BABINSKI). ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY may demonstrate triphasic waves. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp1117-20; Plum & Posner, Diagnosis of Stupor and Coma, 3rd ed, p222-5)

**Tree numbers:** - C06.552.308.500.356 - C10.228.140.163.360 - C18.452.132.360

**Synonyms:** - Portosystemic Encephalopathy - Encephalopathy, Hepatic - Encephalopathy, Hepatocerebral - Encephalopathy, Portal-Systemic - Encephalopathy, Portosystemic - Hepatocerebral Encephalopathy - Portal-Systemic Encephalopathy