What is a characteristic symptom of hepatic encephalopathy?

Hepatic encephalopathy is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome that arises from liver dysfunction, often due to an accumulation of toxins, particularly ammonia. One of the hallmark symptoms of this condition is an altered level of consciousness. Patients may experience a wide range of cognitive impairments including confusion, disorientation, altered sleep patterns, and in severe cases, coma. This altered consciousness is directly connected to the brain's response to metabolic disturbances caused by liver failure.

While other symptoms can be associated with various conditions, they are not specific to hepatic encephalopathy. For instance, persistent constipation may occur due to other factors such as dietary habits or medications but is not a defining feature of this particular condition. Urinary incontinence and vision disturbances can arise from various neurological issues but are not characteristic symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy itself. Thus, the altered level of consciousness stands out as the primary indicator of this serious complication, linking the liver's health directly to cognitive function.