Can hemochromatosis cause encephalopathy?

Hemochromatosis can lead to excessive iron deposition in the liver and other body organs. If the hemochromatosis is not treated, the liver may develop permanent scarring known as cirrhosis. People with liver cirrhosis from any cause are prone to a buildup of toxins in the brain that are usually cleared by a normal liver. These excessive toxins in the brain can cause encephalopathy, resulting in confusion, decreased mental alertness and sometimes progress to a coma.