Which sign is most characteristic of hepatic encephalopathy?

Which sign is most characteristic of hepatic encephalopathy?

• A. Asterixis (flapping hand tremor)
• B. Tremor at rest
• C. Seizures
• D. Dizziness

Answer: (A)

Hepatic encephalopathy presents with neuropsychiatric changes from toxin buildup, and the most characteristic sign is asterixis—the flapping of the hands when the arms are extended and the wrists dorsiflexed. This brief, irregular loss of muscle tone reflects the metabolic brain dysfunction seen with liver failure and is a classic diagnostic clue. The other options don’t fit as specifically: a tremor at rest is typical of Parkinson-like conditions, seizures involve convulsive episodes rather than a continuous flapping tremor, and dizziness is nonspecific and not distinctive for hepatic encephalopathy.

Hepatic encephalopathy presents with neuropsychiatric changes from toxin buildup, and the most characteristic sign is asterixis—the flapping of the hands when the arms are extended and the wrists dorsiflexed. This brief, irregular loss of muscle tone reflects the metabolic brain dysfunction seen with liver failure and is a classic diagnostic clue.

The other options don’t fit as specifically: a tremor at rest is typical of Parkinson-like conditions, seizures involve convulsive episodes rather than a continuous flapping tremor, and dizziness is nonspecific and not distinctive for hepatic encephalopathy.