Major Symptoms Of Hepatitis C

Cognitive Issues

A highly disabling symptom of hepatitis C is brain fog, as well as other cognitive complications. Affecting around thirty-three percent of all patients, hepatitis C can cause issues regarding a patient's memory and ability to concentrate. Put simply, this disease causes a breakdown in neural pathways, reducing the brain's ability to send signals. More specifically, signals between the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. In turn, poor cognitive performance is experienced. Another key reason why brain fog occurs is due to the liver's reduced ability to eliminate toxins. Meaning, these toxins circulate throughout the body, affecting organs such as the brain. This is generally experienced during the advanced stages of hepatitis C, known as hepatic encephalopathy. Other associated symptoms include shaky hands, slurred speech, changes in personality, and lack of coordination.

Ascites

Ascites is a term used to describe when an individual experiences an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the area between their abdominal wall lining and the abdominal organs. Hepatitis C causes liver tissues to become inflamed, swollen, and scarred. The swelling and accumulated scar tissues in the liver causes portal hypertension, which is high blood pressure in the veins that carry blood through the liver. The high blood pressure in the portal veins forces excess fluid in the blood volume to seep through the affected individual's blood vessel walls. This excess fluid causes the patient to experience abdominal swelling or bloating. Ascites has often been described as making a patient appear as if they are pregnant regardless of their gender or age. An affected individual may notice they are putting on an excessive amount of weight and may not fit into their clothes properly.