A patient with compensated cirrhosis may develop hepatic encephalopathy following a triggering event.
Factors that can precipitate an episode of hepatic encephalopathy:
(1) infection
(2) gastrointestinal bleeding
(3) diuretic overdose
(4) electrolyte disorder
(5) constipation
(6) psychoactive medication (benzodiazepine, etc)
(7) dehydration
(8) dietary indiscretion
(9) malnutrition
(10) poor diabetes control
(11) hypothyroidism
(12) trauma