HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Do Excessive Sleep When Diagnosed With Liver Disease Indicate?

default
Posted on Mon, 5 Dec 2016
Question: my husband has end stage liver disease. he went through this same "behaviour" last week and I made him go to the hospital in an ambulance. his tests all came back good and they released him. so here i am again this weekend again with him ( by the way he is 5 years sober ) sleeping almost to a comatose state, gets up, if he is lucky, to urinate and poop right next to the bed or in the bed. then goes back to sleep in it and I cannot get him to wake up and talk to me to try and help him.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Encephalopathy

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.

These are all symptoms of brain dysfunction called hepatic encephalopathy.
Some of the common causes are bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, constipation, electrolyte imbalance etc.

He needs inpatient care.
A course of Rifaximin, lactulose may improve his brain function.
He needs to be under the care of Gastroenterologist/Hepatologist for periodic evaluation

Regards,
Dr.R.K.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 2205 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Gastroenterologist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
What Do Excessive Sleep When Diagnosed With Liver Disease Indicate?

Brief Answer: Encephalopathy Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for posting your query. I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you. These are all symptoms of brain dysfunction called hepatic encephalopathy. Some of the common causes are bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, constipation, electrolyte imbalance etc. He needs inpatient care. A course of Rifaximin, lactulose may improve his brain function. He needs to be under the care of Gastroenterologist/Hepatologist for periodic evaluation Regards, Dr.R.K.