Uremic Encephalopathy
What is Uremic Encephalopathy?
Uremic encephalopathy is a disorder caused by a buildup of waste products in the blood. The build up of waste products can cause confusion, changes in personality, agitation, and even coma or death in some cases. Uremic encephalopathy is sometimes referred to as uremic toxic encephalopathy, HELLP syndrome, or cerebral uremia.
Uremic encephalopathy is most commonly caused by kidney failure, or renal failure, due to both acute kidney failure and chronic kidney disease. In some cases it can be caused by an underlying medical condition that leads to acute or chronic kidney failure, such as infection, diabetes, hypertension, and autoimmune diseases.
Symptoms of Uremic Encephalopathy
Common symptoms of uremic encephalopathy include:
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Changes in behavior
- Changes in consciousness
- Seizures
- Severe lethargy
These symptoms often become more severe as the build-up of waste products in the blood increases.
Treating Uremic Encephalopathy
The main goal of treating uremic encephalopathy is to reduce the build-up of waste products in the blood. This can be done by removing toxins and excess water through the use of dialysis. It is also important to treat any underlying medical condition that has contributed to the kidney failure. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help reduce the level of waste products in the blood.
It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider in order to maintain appropriate kidney function and monitor your waste product levels. It is also important to follow a healthy diet and keep active in order to help support your kidneys and reduce the risk of kidney failure.