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Old 01-19-2006, 11:48 AM
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ASpouse
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Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Sussex, NJ
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For those that don't know

What is Encephalopathy?
Encephalopathy is a term for any diffuse disease of the brain that alters brain function or structure. Encephalopathy may be caused by infectious agent (bacteria, virus, or prion), metabolic or mitochondrial dysfunction, brain tumor or increased pressure in the skull, prolonged exposure to toxic elements (including solvents, drugs, radiation, paints, industrial chemicals, and certain metals), chronic progressive trauma, poor nutrition, or lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain. The hallmark of encephalopathy is an altered mental state. Depending on the type and severity of encephalopathy, common neurological symptoms are progressive loss of memory and cognitive ability, subtle personality changes, inability to concentrate, lethargy, and progressive loss of consciousness. Other neurological symptoms may include myoclonus (involuntary twitching of a muscle or group of muscles), nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movement), tremor, muscle atrophy and weakness, dementia, seizures, and loss of ability to swallow or speak. Blood tests, spinal fluid examination, imaging studies, electroencephalograms, and similar diagnostic studies may be used to differentiate the various causes of encephalopathy.



This certainly sounds as if it is a disease caused by your mothers drinking for all those years.

I think the best thing to do is ask her doctor, voice your concerns and go to Al Anon to learn how to take care of you and detach from your mother as much as you can.

I don't know about where you live, but the weather has been so crazy around this part of the US, that many many people are getting sick with sinus infections and such ....... your illnesses may not be caused by stress because of taking care of your mother. If I were you, I'd get myself 100% well and ask your brother to step in while you recuperate.
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