Encephalopathy

Encephalopathy refers to a broad spectrum of brain dysfunctions that can result from various causes, including metabolic disturbances, infections, or toxins, leading to altered mental status, cognitive impairment, or neurological deficits. It is clinically significant as it often indicates underlying systemic issues requiring urgent evaluation and management. A key example is hepatic encephalopathy, which arises from liver failure and can lead to severe complications such as coma or death if untreated.