Encephalopathy literally means disease of the brain. It refers to the central nervous system, or parts of it. Pathologists are more likely to use this term. Descriptions of the living usually refer to dementia. Medical Imaging has made physiopathology more practical on the living, however. Treatment is symptomatic and varies, according to the type and severity of the encephalopathy. Anticonvulsants may be prescribed to reduce or halt any seizures. Changes to diet and nutritional supplements may help some patients. In severe cases, dialysis or organ replacement surgery may be needed. Treating the underlying cause of the disorder may improve or reverse symptoms. However, in some cases, the encephalopathy may cause permanent structural changes and irreversible damage to the brain. Some encephalopathies can be fatal. Quoted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encephalopathy

This is from Wilkedia. I still have not found how to do the links What is Encephalopathy? Encephalopathy is a term for any diffuse disease of the brain that alters brain function or structure. Encephalopathy may be caused by infectious agent (bacteria, virus, or prion), metabolic or mitochondrial dysfunction, brain tumor or increased pressure in the skull, prolonged exposure to toxic elements (including solvents, drugs, radiation, paints, industrial chemicals, and certain metals), chronic progressive trauma, poor nutrition, or lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain. The hallmark of encephalopathy is an altered mental state. Depending on the type and severity of encephalopathy, common neurological symptoms are progressive loss of memory and cognitive ability, subtle personality changes, inability to concentrate, lethargy, and progressive loss of consciousness. Other neurological symptoms may include myoclonus (involuntary twitching of a muscle or group of muscles), nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movement), tremor, muscle atrophy and weakness, dementia, seizures, and loss of ability to swallow or speak. Blood tests, spinal fluid examination, imaging studies, electroencephalograms, and similar diagnostic studies may be used to differentiate the various causes of encephalopathy. Is there any treatment? Treatment is symptomatic and varies, according to the type and severity of the encephalopathy. Your physician can provide specific instructions for proper care and treatment. Anticonvulsants may be prescribed to reduce or halt any seizures. Changes to diet and nutritional supplements may help some patients. In severe cases, dialysis or organ replacement surgery may be needed. What is the prognosis? Treating the underlying cause of the disorder may improve symptoms. However, the encephalopathy may cause permanent structural changes and irreversible damage to the brain. Some encephalopathies can be fatal. What research is being done? The NINDS supports and conducts research on brain diseases. Much of this research is aimed at characterizing the agents that cause these disorders, clarifying the mechanisms underlying them, and, ultimately, finding ways to prevent, treat, and cure them.

I just have a friend in the hospital and this was ruled out! Encephalopathy is an altered mental state. It means that there is a problem in the brain whichis causing physical symptoms. encephalopathy may cause permanent structural changes and irreversible damage to the brain. Some encephalopathies can be fatal.

Cephalo meaning the head and pathy meaning disorder. Encephalopathy is a catch all term used to describe a number of different conditions, all of which affect the brain, and because of this, often other parts of the body as well. I'm afraid that without more information on the specifics it's hard to decribe it further, as each one manifests itself in different ways. For example, vitamin B deficiency can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome that produces an encephalopathy, that includes involuntary eye movements (nystagmus), an unusual walking pattern and sometimes restlessness. Others such as in CJD cause dementia and muscular jerks. Others still cause problems with speech - they may undertsand what is being said in certain cases but what they reply with makes nonsense. Try the link I've given below which may be of use and you can click on the specific type you want more info on. http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/encephalopathy Another is this one, but it is less deatiled and more for health professionals. http://www.gpnotebook.com/simpleprocess.cfm?querystring=encephalopathy&x=12&y=1