Damage
When the liver is failing due to cirrhosis, hepatitis or other causes, toxins from metabolism build up in the blood and tissues. This affect the whole body and one of these toxins, ammonia, can cause a serious condition of the brain called hepatic encephalopathy. Low potassium levels contribute to this condition. The MedlinePlus online medical reference explains that this disorder causes confusion and mental changes, and can lead to coma and death. About 80 percent of the people who become comatose do not recover. If treated in the early stages, the condition may be reversible.