One of the characteristic symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy is excessive sleepiness.
Portal or hepatic encephalopathy is a manifestation of liver failure. It occurs in people with chronic liver damage (cirrhosis). It consists of a central nervous system disorder that can manifest in the following ways:
- Mood swings
- Altered sleep-wake cycle
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Sopor
- Coma
Treatment
- Diet: Avoiding excess protein is an important part of treatment, but must be supervised by your doctor or nutritionist, since important restrictions may be counterproductive. It is recommended moderate consumption of vegetable protein and high-quality protein (milk, eggs).
- The use of lactulose and other nonabsorbable sugars can prevent intestinal absorption of ammonium and stimulate intestinal transit. It is very important to avoid constipation, as this may be the precipitating factor for encephalopathy.
- Avoiding sedatives or sleeping medications. These drugs may precipitate encephalopathy in a predisposed person.
- Early treatment of infections, as infections can precipitate episodes of encephalopathy.
Prognosis
The presence of encephalopathy in somebody with liver disease is considered an indication for liver transplantation.
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