Definition: Encephalopathy (encephalo - relating to the brain, pathy - disease) refers to any brain disease that affects the brain's structure or function. Symptoms of encephalopathies may include memory loss, intellectual disability, and seizures. Encephalopathy may be caused by an infection, injury or trauma, an underlying condition, poor nutrition, or a mass in the brain. A brain scan may be used to find out the cause of encephalopathy.