Encephalopathy (Brain Disease)

What is Encephalopathy?

Encephalopathy is any brain disease that affects how your brain works. Encephalopathy can be caused by: 

• Chemotherapy.
• Radiation therapy.
• The cancer itself.

Encephalopathy caused by chemotherapy often happens shortly after getting the medication. It tends to get better over time. Common symptoms are:

• Insomnia.
• Anxiety.
• Agitation.
• Depression.
• Drowsiness.
• Confusion.
• Headache.

Encephalopathy from radiation therapy may happen when your brain is part of the area being treated. When encephalopathy starts during treatment, it is called “acute onset encephalopathy.” It will often get better over time. Signs of acute radiation encephalopathy are headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Encephalopathy can also happen as a late effect of treatment, starting months to years after treatment has ended. Late-onset radiation encephalopathy is often caused by harm done during the initial radiation therapy. Signs of late-onset encephalopathy are:

• Memory loss.
• Confusion.
• Cognitive dysfunction (how your brain works with the rest of the body).
• Gait (walking) changes.
• Urinary incontinence (can’t control your bladder).

These symptoms are often like the signs of the original cancer diagnosis.

How is it treated?

Treatment for encephalopathy depends on what is causing it. Treatment often focuses on supportive care and symptom control. Your care team may suggest medications, changes to your diet, dialysis, surgery, and therapy. 

When should I call my care team?

If you have any symptoms of encephalopathy, call your care team right away.