If you or someone you love has liver problems, you might start to notice subtle—or sometimes sudden—changes in thinking, behavior, or memory. Maybe they seem unusually forgetful, groggy, or unlike themselves. These could be signs of hepatic encephalopathy, often shortened to HE—a serious but often misunderstood complication of liver disease.
Hepatic encephalopathy affects not just the body, but the mind. Understanding the signs, causes, and treatment options can make a major difference in how well it is managed.
What Happens in the Body?
Your liver plays a critical role in keeping your body healthy. One of its main jobs is filtering toxins from the blood. When the liver is damaged—such as in cirrhosis, hepatitis, or advanced fatty liver disease—it can no longer do this job well.
As a result, harmful substances like ammonia and other waste products build up in the bloodstream. These toxins can cross into the brain, interfering with brain function. This is what causes the confusion, personality changes, and other symptoms we see in hepatic encephalopathy.
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In many ways, HE is the brain’s way of sounding an alarm: your liver needs help.
Understanding the Symptoms: Mild to Severe
Hepatic encephalopathy can range from subtle to life-threatening. It’s classified into grades (I–IV), with Grade I being the mildest and Grade IV being coma. Some symptoms may come and go, while others may slowly worsen if untreated.
Mild Symptoms (Grade I–II):
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Trouble concentrating or staying focused
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Forgetfulness or short-term memory problems
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Mood swings or irritability
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Changes in sleep patterns (e.g., sleeping during the day, awake at night)
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Mild tremors or trouble with handwriting
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A general sense of “mental fog”
These symptoms may be easy to miss or mistaken for stress, aging, or depression—especially in older adults.
Moderate to Severe Symptoms (Grade III–IV):
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Slurred or slowed speech
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Disorientation to time and place
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Severe confusion or hallucinations
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Shaky hands (also called asterixis or “liver flap”)
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Difficulty walking or keeping balance
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Drowsiness or trouble staying awake
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Loss of consciousness or coma (in very advanced cases)
If you notice any of these more serious symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
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What Can Trigger an HE Episode?
Even people who have been stable for a while can suddenly experience HE. That’s because certain events or health changes can act as triggers—pushing the liver past its already limited capacity. Some of the most common triggers include:
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Bleeding in the digestive tract (from ulcers or varices)
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Constipation, which allows toxins to remain in the body longer
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Infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, or even the common cold
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Dehydration
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Electrolyte imbalances, especially low sodium or potassium levels
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Excess protein in the diet (this varies by individual and doctor recommendation)
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Skipping medications like lactulose or rifaximin
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Alcohol use, which can further damage the liver
Understanding your personal triggers—through experience and doctor guidance—is key to preventing future episodes.
Diagnosis: How Doctors Identify HE
Diagnosing hepatic encephalopathy is often based on symptoms and history. There isn’t one simple test for HE, but doctors may use:
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Blood tests to check ammonia levels (although high ammonia alone doesn’t always confirm HE)
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Neurological exams to assess memory, coordination, and mental status
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Imaging (CT or MRI) to rule out other causes of confusion like stroke or infection
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Electroencephalograms (EEGs) in some cases, to detect abnormal brain activity
In many cases, a diagnosis is made after ruling out other causes and seeing how well a patient responds to treatment.
Medications and Treatment Options
The goal of treatment is to reduce the buildup of toxins—especially ammonia—and manage the underlying liver condition. Your treatment plan may include:
1. Lactulose
This is the first-line treatment for most people with HE. Lactulose is a synthetic sugar that works as a laxative, helping trap and remove ammonia through the stool. Patients usually take it several times a day to ensure regular bowel movements.
2. Rifaximin
This antibiotic may be added to reduce the amount of ammonia-producing bacteria in the gut. It’s often used if symptoms persist or if a person has had repeated HE episodes.
3. Other Supportive Treatments
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IV fluids or electrolytes if you’re dehydrated or out of balance
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Antibiotics for infections
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Treating constipation, bleeding, or other specific triggers
Liver transplant may be considered in severe cases where liver function has declined significantly.
Living With HE: Tips for Managing Day to Day
Hepatic encephalopathy can be frightening and frustrating—but with proactive care, it is manageable. Here’s how patients and caregivers can stay ahead of it:
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Take medications as prescribed, even if symptoms improve
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Avoid alcohol completely—even small amounts can be dangerous
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Follow a liver-friendly diet: this may include moderate protein intake, depending on your doctor’s advice
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Stay hydrated
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Avoid constipation—ask your doctor about stool softeners or fiber options
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Learn your triggers and work to avoid them
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Have a support system: educate family and friends on what symptoms to watch for
When to Call the Doctor
You should call your doctor right away if you notice:
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New or worsening confusion
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Mood changes or irritability
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Difficulty speaking or staying awake
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Balance or walking problems
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A sudden change in behavior or personality
Early treatment can help prevent hospitalization or more severe complications. If symptoms are severe or the person becomes unresponsive, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.
Looking Ahead: Hope and Support
Hepatic encephalopathy can be life-altering, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of independence or quality of life. Many people live full, meaningful lives with liver disease by staying on top of their treatment, avoiding triggers, and working closely with their healthcare team.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek support, and advocate for yourself or your loved one. The more you understand your liver—and your brain—the better prepared you are to protect them both.
