Definition
Brain dysfunction caused by liver failure—when your liver can't filter toxins and ammonia accumulates in your bloodstream, scrambling your brain. Talk about your organs betraying you.
Example Usage
The cirrhotic patient developed hepatic encephalopathy with confusion and asterixis, requiring lactulose therapy.
Origin
From 'hepatic' (liver-related) and Greek 'encephalitis' (brain inflammation)
Fun Fact
Asterixis (flapping tremor) is pathognomonic for hepatic encephalopathy and appears when a patient extends their arms.
Source: Hepatology; Neurology standards
Related Terms
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