The prognosis of patients with hepatic encephalopathy depends on the degree of hepatocellular failure. The prognosis is better if the cause is found and easily treated; the prognosis is better if the liver is functioning well, if a shunt has been performed and if the hepatic encephalopathy is caused by a high protein diet; the prognosis is worse in patients with ascites, jaundice and a tendency to bleed, suggesting poor liver function; the prognosis is worst in hepatic encephalopathy due to fulminant (acute) liver failure.