Abstract:

Encephalopathy is a serious and complex disease that affects the structure and function of the brain, which can cause severe neurological symptoms and even death. Encephalopathy can be divided into two types: acute encephalopathy (acute brain dysfunction) and chronic encephalopathy (chronic brain dysfunction). Acute encephalopathy is a heterogeneous disorder consisting of multiple syndromes that can occur in any age group, but is commonest in infants and preschoolers. Acute encephalopathy can be classified according to the pathogens of previous infections, or biological and clinicopathological features, and the etiology is complex and diverse. Among them, acute necrotizing encephalopathy needs to be identified. Chronic encephalopathy in children includes developmental encephalopathy and chronic traumatic encephalopathy in children with family abuse. Children with encephalopathy can show cognitive impairment, language retardation, psychomotor retardation, and other manifestations of brain dysfunction such as convulsions. Genetic testing is one of the important methods to help identify the cause of chronic encephalopathy in children. The article introduces the different etiology and possible clinical symptoms of encephalopathy to help clinicians diagnose early and give timely treatment.

Key words: encephalopathy, nervous system, brain dysfunction, child