Alcoholic Encephalopathy

Alcohol alters brain activity

If alcohol is abused = liver disease
=increase in ammonia levels and brain
damage
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is
caused by thiamine (Vitamin B1)
deficiency = memory loss, confusion,
and ataxia

Anoxic or Hypoxic Encephalopathy

Condition where brain tissue is
deprived of oxygen = global loss of
brain function
If blood supply to the placenta is
compromised = fetal distress
Can occur any time in life when the
heart stops as in cardiac arrest or
seizures when the heart stops and
oxygen isnt pumped to the brain

Hypertensive Encephalopathy

When blood pressure rises too high

= affects brain function =

headache, decrease consciousness
Also called Hypertensive Crisis
which is associated with organ
failure
Hypotension = low blood pressure
= fainting, weakness, mental
changes

Infectious Encephalopathy

Bacteria, viruses, and fungi =

damage to the brain in various
ways
Examples include, Mad Cow
Disease (BSE) and Kuru (GSS)
Tingling, dementia and tremors are
some symptoms of BSE and GSS

Ischemic Encephalopathy

Blood vessels narrow = decrease blood

flow to brain = loss of brain tissue
Narrowing vessels = caused by same

factors of heart disease & peripheral

vascular disease = smoking, high
blood pressure, high cholesterol and
diabetes

Metabolic Encephalopathy

Abnormalities of the water,

electrolytes and other chemicals =
affect brain function
Hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, thyroid
deviations, sodium levels, toxic
medication ingestion and carbon
monoxide poisoning also cause

changes to brain

Structural Encephalopathy

Brain damage caused from injury,

trauma or stroke can cause lasting
brain damage
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
(CTE) results from repeated head
injuries
Symptoms include psychotic behavior,
tremors, speech and walking difficulty

Uremic Encephalopathy

Acute or chronic kidney failure =

toxins in blood = decrease of brain
function
If kidney function is not restored
permanent brain tissue damage or
death can occur

Encephalopathy Treatment Options

Therapy depend on type of

Encephalopathy
Helping patient relearn ADLS
Assisting in plan & organize their day
Providing strategies such as lists and
reminders
Practicing newly learnt and relearnt
skills
Adapting the environment to overcome
cognitive difficulties
Supporting patient with employment
or identify new vocational options
Encourage participation in previously
enjoyed or new leisure activities
Educate caregivers and educators
regarding learning strategies and
capabilities
Promote independence with
meaningful activities
Knowledge is Power

Encephalopathy

Alcoholic
Anoxic/Hypoxic
Hypertensive

Infectious
Ischemic
Metabolic
Structural
Uremic