Hepatic Encephalopathy: Understanding Treatment & Management

Hepatic coma, or hepatic encephalopathy, is damage to the brain and nervous system that is caused by liver disorders and allows ammonia to build up in the body. Patients may experience agitation, behavior and mood changes, or restricted movement.

Hospitalization

• According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, hepatic coma treatment requires hospitalization because it may develop into a medical emergency.

Bleeding

• Hepatic coma patients may have internal bleeding of the intestines that must be stopped, and accumulated blood must be emptied from the intestines.

Other Factors

• Kidney failure and potassium imbalances may be present in hepatic coma patients, and these factors must be treated while the patient is hospitalized.

Diet Counseling

• Individuals with recurring cases of hepatic coma may need to be placed on a low-protein diet that should be coordinated by a diet counselor.

Medications

• Lactulose or Neomycin may be prescribed to hepatic coma patients to reduce the production of ammonia by intestinal bacteria.