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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Seizures While Having End Stage Liver Disease?

My sister is 59 years old, has stage 4 cirrhosos of the liver, was diagnosed with cirrhosis seven years ago. Last night she had her first and a very seizure, she is not epileptic. She was rushed to the hospital by ambulance, where she is now, and Seems thoroughly confused and anxious and very out of it, barely knowing where she is. The seizure lasted for almost 10 minutes . The doctors gave her Ativan, which seem to have made her more anxious . We are nervous that the seizure has had a permanent Neurological effect. Is the cirrhosis because of the seizure, and is this something that will affect her permanently and or she will recover from, and what is the best course of action now. Are seizures I correlation to the last stages of liver cirrhosis?
Thu, 1 Sep 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi
Thanks for posting on HCM
Your sister is probably suffering from what we call hepatic encephalopathy. The liver has many functions in the body with the most important being detoxification.With stage 4 cirrhosis, the liver functions are always impaired.Accumulation of toxins(especially ammonia) in the body may have cephalic manifestations like the symptoms your sister has. Ativan will not aggravate her condition, rather, it may help control her seizures if it should happen again.
Treatment options for this condition depend on the severity of the condition and underlying cause and is best done in a specialized unit.Options may include:
-Provision of supportive care
-Identification and removal of precipitating factors
-Reduction of nitrogenous load from the gastrointestinal tract
-Antibiotics
-Treatment to increase ammonia clearance
Just stay positive and trust your Doctors.Sure they will do their best to save your sister
Hope this will help
Wish your sister a speedy recovery
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What Causes Seizures While Having End Stage Liver Disease?

Hi Thanks for posting on HCM Your sister is probably suffering from what we call hepatic encephalopathy. The liver has many functions in the body with the most important being detoxification.With stage 4 cirrhosis, the liver functions are always impaired.Accumulation of toxins(especially ammonia) in the body may have cephalic manifestations like the symptoms your sister has. Ativan will not aggravate her condition, rather, it may help control her seizures if it should happen again. Treatment options for this condition depend on the severity of the condition and underlying cause and is best done in a specialized unit.Options may include: -Provision of supportive care -Identification and removal of precipitating factors -Reduction of nitrogenous load from the gastrointestinal tract -Antibiotics -Treatment to increase ammonia clearance Just stay positive and trust your Doctors.Sure they will do their best to save your sister Hope this will help Wish your sister a speedy recovery