Causes of overt HE
Overt HE happens when your liver cannot filter toxins in your blood and the toxins build up and reach your brain
The liver is important because
- It filters your blood, including everything that you eat and drink, such as food, alcohol, and medicines
- It helps turn food into energy and nutrients that your body can use
- It also gets rid of toxins in your blood, which otherwise may be harmful to your body
When your liver is damaged, it cannot remove toxins as well as a healthy liver can. When toxins build up in your brain, you may have short-term and long-term effects that can get worse over time.
Risks of overt HE
Symptoms of HE occur during overt HE “episodes”
When HE symptoms become more severe, the condition is called “overt HE.” If you have overt HE, you may have experienced what is called an “episode” of overt HE.
During an episode, your symptoms can become more obvious. There may be a change in your behavior or personality. You may not understand what is happening, and people around you may notice that you are acting strangely.