The liver will become increasingly replaced by fibrous tissue until it is unable to perform its functions. This doesn t mean that it s too late to stop drinking because stopping drinking will slow down or even halt further damage, and prolong life. Either of these symptoms must receive urgent medical treatment. The liver normally breaks down waste products which would otherwise affect the brain. With severe liver disease the liver cannot remove these waste products and they are carried by the blood to the brain.
Symptoms can range from minor lapses in memory to slurred speech, confusion and unconsciousness.
With treatment these effects can be completely reversed. This accumulation of fluid in the abdomen is called ascites. In a few people liver cancer may develop as a late result of cirrhosis. For further information on liver cancer please ask for a copy of our Primary Liver Cancer leaflet. It used to be thought that a poor diet was the cause of liver damage in people who drink excessively.