Encephalopathy is a broad term used to describe a condition in which brain function becomes impaired due to injury, illness, metabolic imbalance, infection, toxin exposure, lack of oxygen, liver or kidney disease, or other serious medical conditions. Patients with encephalopathy may experience confusion, memory problems, altered consciousness, personality changes, difficulty concentrating, seizures, abnormal movements, or even coma in severe cases. The condition can develop suddenly or gradually and often requires urgent medical evaluation and intensive care management, depending on the underlying cause and severity.