Consult Rounds: Differential Diagnosis of Asterixis

 The differential diagnosis of asterixis is important for a Nephrologists- It is not always Uremia...

Metabolic causes-- Uremia, Liver failure and hypercapnia 
Neuro drugs--Anticonvulsants, Benzos-- classic is phenytoin, carbamazepine, gabapentin, valproic acid, lithium
Antibiotics-- Cefepime, and other cephalosporins
Electrolyte disorders-- Hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia( never seen it there)
Bilateral brain lesions
**Unilateral brain lesions cause unilateral asterixis