In diagnosing encephalopathy, a physician will perform a complete physical examination and compile a thorough medical history.

Tests that may be performed to help identify the specific cause of a patient’s encephalopathy include blood tests, electroencephalograms (measures of brain’s electrical activity), sampling the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord (spinal tap), and imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Treatment of encephalopathy often depends on the nature of patients’ symptoms and on the underlying condition that is causing the encephalopathy. For example, hospitalization usually is required for patients with hepatic encephalopathy to remove ammonia and other toxins from the body.

Medications such as anticonvulsants are prescribed to help control seizures. People with liver disorders that develop hepatic encephalopathy may require alterations to the diet (e.g., reducing excessive protein intake). Severe cases of encephalopathy that cause organ damage may result in the need for dialysis or transplant surgery to replace organs.