FAQ: Identifying & Diagnosing Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy

August 2026

Thank you to Salix for their support on this FAQ video module.

In this FAQ video module, Samantha Ramirez, NP-C, discusses how healthcare professionals can identify and diagnose overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) in patients with severe liver disease or cirrhosis. This educational overview highlights early signs that may be subtle or vary between patients, including changes in sleep patterns, slower thinking, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and mild confusion. Samantha also explains how tools such as FIB-4 can contribute to the broader assessment of liver disease severity and help providers understand a patient’s overall clinical picture.

This video reviews OHE as a primarily clinical diagnosis, including the importance of evaluating other potential causes of altered mental status and using the West Haven criteria to describe disease severity. It also explores the impact of OHE on patients and caregivers, as well as the need for strong communication, multidisciplinary collaboration, and continuity of care across inpatient and outpatient settings. Ideal for gastroenterology and hepatology providers and advanced practice providers, this FAQ offers practical guidance for recognizing OHE and supporting patients throughout their care.

For more expert-driven GI and liver disease education, visit the GHAPP Digital Hub and GHAPP ACE app.