my husband has hepatic encepalapathy?

Question

he stopped drinking for 6 mths & 1week. now he has started back drinking.he was taking his medication,whether or not he's taking it now is a differant story.he has called the police on my son, saying that he does not belong there&told me i had to leave. now he does not remember it.he has no memory of us re-marrying he says we married in 1999.how serious is this disease?his urine is dark brown&he drinks pop by the 1/2 case full.waiting for a response.

Answer 1

Hepatic encephalopathy is a complication of cirrhosis of the liver and its resultant portal hypertension, toxic substances accumulate in the blood and impair the function of brain cells. Signs can include impaired cognition, a flapping tremor (asterixis), and a decreased level of consciousness.
Grading of the symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy is performed according to the so-called West Haven classification system:

Stage 0 - Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (previously known as subclinical hepatic encephalopathy). Lack of detectable changes in personality or behavior. Minimal changes in memory, concentration, intellectual function, and coordination. Asterixis is absent.

Stage 1 - Trivial lack of awareness. Shortened attention span. Impaired addition or subtraction. Hypersomnia, insomnia, or inversion of sleep pattern. Euphoria, depression, or irritability. Mild confusion. Slowing of ability to perform mental tasks. Asterixis can be detected.

Stage 2 - Lethargy or apathy. Disorientation. Inappropriate behavior. Slurred speech. Obvious asterixis. Drowsiness, lethargy, gross deficits in ability to perform mental tasks, obvious personality changes, inappropriate behavior, and intermittent disorientation, usually regarding time.

Stage 3 - Somnolent but can be aroused, unable to perform mental tasks, disorientation about time and place, marked confusion, amnesia, occasional fits of rage, present but incomprehensible speech

Stage 4 - Coma with or without response to painful stimuli

Answer 2

Sorry you are going through this rough situation. My father developed this too and it's not good. Your husband's liver is being destroyed by the alcohol. The normal detoxification job of the liver can no longer be performed normally and the toxins begin to build up in the body. This causes disorientation, sleepiness and his lab values when checked will be really out of range. He needs help asap. This can lead to death . Please try and convince him to get to a doctor soon. His urine color is a direct indication of his condition. He's also probably very dehydrated. His blood pressure is probably sky high also. I pray all goes well. He needs serious medical attention.....please encourage him to get it soon. God bless you both and I wish you all the best.

Answer 3

Maybe something is going on with his kidneys?? I do know that when that happens, they dont act normal. I would try to get him to the doctors soon. Tell him to trade the pop for some water.