A syndrome characterized by central nervous system dysfunction in association with LIVER FAILURE, including portal-systemic shunts. Clinical features include lethargy and CONFUSION (frequently progressing to COMA); ASTERIXIS; NYSTAGMUS, PATHOLOGIC; brisk oculovestibular reflexes; decorticate and decerebrate posturing; MUSCLE SPASTICITY; and bilateral extensor plantar reflexes (see REFLEX, BABINSKI). ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY may demonstrate triphasic waves. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp1117-20; Plum & Posner, Diagnosis of Stupor and Coma, 3rd ed, p222-5)
Also Known As:
Encephalopathy, Hepatocerebral; Encephalopathy, Portal-Systemic; Encephalopathy, Portosystemic; Fulminant Hepatic Failure with Cerebral Edema; Hepatic Coma; Hepatic Stupor; Hepatocerebral Encephalopathy; Portal-Systemic Encephalopathy; Coma, Hepatic; Comas, Hepatic; Encephalopathies, Hepatic; Encephalopathies, Hepatocerebral; Encephalopathies, Portal-Systemic; Encephalopathies, Portosystemic; Encephalopathy, Portal Systemic; Hepatic Comas; Hepatic Encephalopathies; Hepatic Stupors; Hepatocerebral Encephalopathies; Portal Systemic Encephalopathy; Portal-Systemic Encephalopathies; Portosystemic Encephalopathies; Stupor, Hepatic; Stupors, Hepatic; Encephalopathy, Hepatic; Portosystemic Encephalopathy