Hepatic encephalopathy generally happens in people with long-lasting liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis. Triggers include infection and dehydration.
Early symptoms include forgetfulness, confusion, and breath with a sweet or musty odor. Advanced symptoms include shaking of the hands or arms, disorientation, and slurred speech.
Treatment includes removing toxic substances from the intestine.
The loss of brain functions when a damaged liver doesn't remove toxins from the blood.