Uremic encephalopathy
Description
Uremic encephalopathy is a brain dysfunction caused by the accumulation of toxins due to chronic or acute kidney failure. This condition can be reversed by kidney replacement therapy which is used to remove the accumulated toxins from the body. Since it develops gradually over time and the patient will have already begun kidney replacement therapy at that point, it is uncommon in people with chronic renal disease.
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Inattention
- Sleep disorders
- Headache
- Memory loss
- Difficulty in speaking
- Seizures
- Coma
- Slow movement
- Imbalance and frequent falls
- Involuntary movements
Visit a Nephrologist if you have any of these symptoms to be diagnosed and treated properly
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View MoreCauses
This condition can be caused by either chronic or acute kidney failure.
Causes of chronic kidney disease :
- Diabetes mellitus
- High blood pressure
- Inflammation of kidney filtering units
- Inflammation of kidney tubules
- Genetic or cystic diseases
- Urinary obstruction due to prostate enlargement, kidney stones, or tumors
Causes of acute kidney injury :
- Medications
- Toxins
- Prolonged low blood pressure
- Dehydration
- Sepsis
- Blood loss
Diagnostics
There’s no certain test that can confirm the diagnosis. The diagnosis depends on symptoms, medical history, and the relief of symptoms after kidney replacement therapy which includes dialysis or kidney transplantation. Some tests can be used to help in the diagnosis and exclude other conditions such as :
- Laboratory tests (a blood sample is taken to measure the level of specific substances).
- Computed tomography scan (a procedure in which x-ray and a computer are used to produce an image of the brain).
- Magnetic resonance imaging (a procedure in which magnetic fields are used to produce an image of the brain).
Treatment
- Dialysis : A procedure to remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood if the kidneys stopped working or are not functioning well.
- Kidney transplantation : A surgery that’s done when the kidneys stop functioning well. the kidney is replaced by another one from a donor.
