Uremic encephalopathy

The neurologic manifestations of renal failure are variable, nonspecific and most likely result from multiple metabolic derangements. Commonly used neurodiagnostic tests may be abnormal but are generally nondiagnostic. The EEG, although nonspecific, correlates with clinical symptoms and may be of diagnostic value if serial studies are performed. The pathophysiology of uremic encephalopathy is not well understood and multiple potential "uremic toxins" have been evaluated. Of these, parathyroid hormone is the only substance to be clearly linked to clinical findings. It is likely that other, even unidentified toxins, may play a role in the complex pathogenesis of neurologic disease associated with renal failure.