Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy (HE)? Resulting from a buildup of toxins in the blood, this complication of liver disease can reduce brain function. While a diagnosis can be devastating, it is possible to manage HE with your doctor.

One of the important functions of the liver is to clean the blood. When the liver is damaged, it can no longer properly clean toxins, like ammonia, from the blood. This buildup of toxins can reach the brain, potentially causing HE and resulting in a worsening of brain function. It is estimated that up to 4 out of 5 people with cirrhosis will eventually develop some form of HE, so you are not alone.

Take Action Today

If you or your loved one have chronic liver disease and have been diagnosed with or suspect hepatic encephalopathy and are experiencing symptoms, it may be time to visit a healthcare professional. Carefully tracking symptoms can help you and your doctor recognize if symptoms are worsening. Complete this tracker to evaluate some of your or your loved one's HE symptoms, and click the "Get My Print out" button below to print and save. Then, share the completed tracker with your doctor to help them better understand what has been happening at home, and provide you with disease management options.

Select all the symptoms* that apply to you (or your loved one):
Only select and rate the symptoms you or your loved ones are experiencing

How severe would you rate your anxiety? With 5 being very severe and 1 being very mild.

How frequently are you experiencing shortened attention span? With 5 being very frequent and 1 being not very frequent.

How high would you rate your level of bizarre or inappropriate behavior? With 5 being very high and 1 being very low.

How severe would you rate your forgetfulness? With 5 being very severe and 1 being very mild.

How severe would you rate your general confusion? With 5 being very severe and 1 being very mild.

How would you rate your difficulty adding or subtracting numbers versus your normal ability? With 5 being very difficult and 1 being mildly difficult.

How frequently are you experiencing a change in sleep patterns? With 5 being very frequent and 1 being not very frequent.

How frequently are you experiencing confusion about date or time? With 5 being very frequent and 1 being not very frequent.

How severe would you rate your disorientation? With 5 being very severe and 1 being very mild.

How severe would you rate your musty or sweet breath odor? With 5 being very severe and 1 being very mild.

How severe would you rate your uncontrollable hand flapping or tremors of the hands or arms? With 5 being very severe and 1 being very mild.

How severe would you rate your slurred speech? With 5 being very severe and 1 being very mild.

How frequent would you rate your mood swings? With 5 being very frequent and 1 being not very frequent.

How would you rate your difficulty writing? With 5 being very difficult and 1 being mildly difficult.

*This list does not represent all possible HE symptoms. Make sure to talk to your doctor about any symptoms you may be experiencing that may or may not be associated with HE.

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Caregivers and Families

Caring for someone living with a chronic condition, like HE, can be difficult. Many people may feel as though it is a full-time job. Caregivers, a term often used to describe a person who provides care and support for a patient, may at times feel stressed, sad, or frustrated. This is why it is important that caregivers feel supported and cared for, too. Read more about how to make sure you are getting the support and care you need.

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Additional Resources

Looking for additional resources? Access helpful tools and learn more about advocacy or support groups for people affected by HE.

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