<human>: Hi, My grandmother (80) has been diagnosed with Cirrhosis of the liver. At times, she also forgets things (doctor says mild hepatic encephalotpathy). What is the life expectancy of such a patient if her liver function tests show retrn to normalcy through some ayurvedic medicines?
<bot>: Hi, Often the complication of liver cirrhosis is hepatic encephalopathy. It is due to biochemical abnormalities associated with liver failure. Hepatic encephalopathy [HE]is marked by an intractable cycle of relapse and remission, followed almost inevitably by relapse. Episodes of acute encephalopathy can be reversed; however, people with chronic liver disease are consistently susceptible to future relapse. If your grandmother is taking some ayurvedic medicine [I can not comment much as I am allopathic doctor], and if liver functions are returning to normal; maybe it is a relapse. Approximately 80% (8 out of 10 patients) die if they go into a coma. Recovery and the risk of the condition returning vary from patient to patient. If you are able to control underlying liver disease, then prognosis is good; in terms HE will not return/progress. Take care. Best regards,