Hepatocerebral degeneration

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Liver anatomy

Chronic acquired (Non-Wilsonian) hepatocerebral degeneration

Treatment is aimed at reducing the toxic chemicals that build-up due to liver failure. This may include laxatives such as lactulose, which lower the level of ammonia in the blood.

There is no specific treatment for the neurologic syndrome, since it is caused by the irreversible liver damage. A liver transplant may cure the liver disease, but this operation will not necessarily reverse the symptoms of brain damage.

The patient may continue to get worse and even die if a liver transplant is not performed. If a transplant occurs early in the course of the disease, the neurological syndrome may be reversible.

Complications include hepatic coma and severe brain damage.

Call your provider if you have any signs or symptoms of liver disease.

Review Date: 09/07/2006
Reviewed By: Kenneth Gross, M.D., Neurology, North Miami, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.