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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Chewing On Tongue The Symptom Of Liver Cirrhosis And Hepatic Encephalopathy?

My husband has been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis from fatty infiltration. He has had hepatic encephalopathy with elevated ammonia levels. He now is chewing on his tongue. (He has no teeth, so no injuries, but his tongue is very sore.) He does this unconsciously, even at night and cannot seem to stop. Is this another symptom from this disease process?
Mon, 23 Feb 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Thanks for posting your question on HCM!
I really appreciate your concern for your husband.

In addition to other signs and symptoms, although less common but abnormal tongue chewing is seen in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
Loss of coordinated movements of the jaw and tongue occurs due to injury to the part of brain that is concerned with the movements of tongue and the jaw.c
In comatose patients, the tongue can become juxtapositioned between the teeth resulting in this chewing reflex.

You are advised to take an opinion of a dentist for possible use of acrylic mouth gags to prevent the injuries in oral cavity.

Wishing your husband a speedy recovery, Insha allah.
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Is Chewing On Tongue The Symptom Of Liver Cirrhosis And Hepatic Encephalopathy?

Thanks for posting your question on HCM! I really appreciate your concern for your husband. In addition to other signs and symptoms, although less common but abnormal tongue chewing is seen in patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Loss of coordinated movements of the jaw and tongue occurs due to injury to the part of brain that is concerned with the movements of tongue and the jaw.c In comatose patients, the tongue can become juxtapositioned between the teeth resulting in this chewing reflex. You are advised to take an opinion of a dentist for possible use of acrylic mouth gags to prevent the injuries in oral cavity. Wishing your husband a speedy recovery, Insha allah.