Hepatic Myelopathy

Hepatic myelopathy is a progressive spastic paraparesis occurring in patients with chronic liver disease and portosystemic shunting, due to toxic/metabolic injury to corticospinal tracts. Clinical: progressive spastic leg weakness/gait disturbance, without prominent sensory loss, in patients with cirrhosis/portosystemic shunt. Treatment: liver transplantation can reverse/improve it; supportive rehab and manage hepatic encephalopathy.

Common Symptoms

Progressive spastic leg weakness; gait disturbance; chronic liver disease/portosystemic shunt; minimal sensory loss

Causes and Pathogenesis

Portosystemic shunting of neurotoxins injures corticospinal tracts, producing spastic paraparesis.

Treatment

Liver transplantation; supportive rehab; manage hepatic encephalopathy

Preventive Measures

Treat liver disease; liver transplant evaluation.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Neurology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.