Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE).
Family history
- Is there a history of frequent liver disease in your family?
Social history
Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints).
- What symptoms have you noticed?
- How long have these changes been present?
- Do you often feel tired?
- Has your performance decreased?
- Have you noticed yellowing of the skin and eyes?
- Do you suffer from sleep disturbances?
- Do you have mood swings?
- Have you noticed any disorders such as trembling of the hands, cognitive disorders (memory problems), lack of concentration?
- Do you have pain in the upper abdomen? If so, when?
- Do you suffer from diarrhea and/or vomiting?
Vegetative anamnesis incl. nutritional anamnesis.
- Do you eat a balanced diet? Do you eat very rich in protein (protein-rich)?
- Do you drink alcohol? If so, what drink or drinks and how many glasses per day?
- Do you use drugs? If yes, which drugs (ecstasy, cocaine) and how often per day or per week.
Self-history
- Pre-existing conditions (liver disease, infections, diarrhea, vomiting).
- Operations
- Allergies
- Pregnancies
- Environmental history
Medication history
- Laxatives (laxatives)
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs; acid blockers) – may increase the risk of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with advanced cirrhosis in a dose-dependent manner
- Sedatives (tranquilizers)
