My Dad is in hospital due to severe confusion , and a twitch in both hands.. apparently a build up of ammonia. Has anyone been through this?

[Scottmcd]

NAFLD/Cirrhosis.

[AyrshireK]

This is a condition called Hepatic Encephalopathy and you'll find out more about it at:- britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Usually it's managed by the prescription of Lactulose and Rifaximin & the patient needs to go to the toilet and move their bowels frequently to remove toxins.

Hopefully hospital will get Dad over this bout and make sure he has appropriate treatment in place going forward.

Katie

[Scottmcd in reply to AyrshireK]

I thought that might be the case, I monitor his medication and he is all ready on 550mg of Rafiximin and 20ml of Lactulose (both twice a day).. do you think it might be a case of maybe upping his dosage? We are currently at the hospital awaiting blood test/x-ray results to come back... thanks again for your speedy response and additional information Katie. Massively appreciated

[AyrshireK in reply to Scottmcd]

That's the same dose my hubby is on, they may well up Dad's lactulose - sometime people need enemas and stuff to make sure they are going enough.

Best wishes at hospital.

Katie

[Scottmcd in reply to AyrshireK]

Sounds promising in regard to treatment, hopefully we will know more soon... hope your husband is on the mend too! Thanks again

Scott

[AyrshireK in reply to Scottmcd]

Thankfully my hubby has never had a serious HE episode, he has mild HE which impacts on daily living, concentration and cognitive stuff but he's never been hospitalised with it.He's been on lactulose since 2012 and the rifaximin since 2014.

Katie

[bintcliffe]

Hi that's what happened to me I had a severe electrolite imbalance caused by alcohol and ammonia went to my brain, I wish you all the best, Hayley

[Scottmcd in reply to bintcliffe]

Thank you for your support Hayley! Hopefully all will be well

Scott

[Whitethorn]

My hubby had this may last year, it was the most scariest thing ever, he was in hosp for 5 days sedated and safe guarded as well, I new nothing about HE at the time and wished that I did as I would of known what to expect x

[vulnerable]

Yes, I have pre liver transplant. I had many episodes of Hepatic Encephalopathy. In simple terms - it is the job of the liver to expel all sorts of ‘gunk’ from the body. But, when the liver is ‘sick’ there can be a build up of ammonia, a waste product, that settles in the brain causing what is known as Hepatic Encephalopathy . Hopefully this gives you some , basic understanding of ammonia and its effect on the brain. Confusion, hand twitches (known as Liver Flap) are characteristic of Hepatic Encephalopathy.Again, my own experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are the Carer for your dad and attend appointments with him.

Good luck.