as well as other toxins, should be done immediately as those are some of the most common causes and the patient can then remove themselves from the dangerous environment. In addition, a full examination of blood (CBC) and metabolites (CMP) should be done. Treatment Treatment is mainly for the symptoms that toxic encephalopathy causes, and vary depending on how severe the case is. Diet changes and nutritional supplements may help some patients. To reduce or halt seizures, anticonvulsants may be prescribed. Dialysis or organ replacement surgery may be needed in some severe cases. Lifelong abstinence from alcohol, a well-established neurotoxin and cause of the condition, is encouraged to prevent further loss of neurocognitive function. Management of affected individuals consists of immediate removal from exposure to the toxic substance(s), treatment of the common clinical manifestation of depression if present, and counselling for the provision of life strategies to help cope with the potentially debilitating condition. Prognosis Toxic encephalopathy is often irreversible. If the source of the problem is treated by removing the toxic chemical from the system, further damage can be prevented, but prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals can quickly destroy the brain. Long-term studies have demonstrated residual cognitive impairment (primarily attention and information-processing impairment resulting in dysfunction in working memory) up to 10 years following cessation of exposure. Severe cases of toxic encephalopathy can be life-threatening. Research Research is being done by organizations such as NINDS (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) on what substances can cause encephalopathy, why they do this, and eventually how to protect, treat, and cure the brain from this condition. See also Brain damage Chronic solvent-induced encephalopathy Encephalopathy Neurology Notes References Encephalopathy Associated with Psychotropic Drug Therapy Yuji Odagaki Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University Department of Psychiatry, Moro Hospital Japan External links NINDS Encephalopathy Information Page Encephalopathy Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment by MedicineNet Neurodegenerative disorders