Ammonia is a toxic byproduct of protein metabolism. In healthy individuals, the liver efficiently eliminates ammonia by converting it into urea through the urea cycle. However, in liver dysfunction or cirrhosis, this detoxification process is impaired, leading to the accumulation of ammonia in the bloodstream. This condition, known as hyperammonemia, can result in serious neurological complications, collectively referred to as hepatic encephalopathy. Symptoms may range from mild confusion to severe cognitive decline, indicating the brain's sensitivity to elevated ammonia levels.
