Hi Vanessa
Encephalopathy is a nonspecific term describing a syndrome affecting the brain. Generally, it refers to involvement of large parts of the brain (or the whole organ), instead of identifiable changes confined to parts of the brain. Encephalopathy may refer to the clinical findings: altered mental state without focal findings; or, more generally, it may refer to the disease that causes these findings. It warns on the Tabard bottle that it can cause brain symptoms if you put it on in overdoses, as the DEET ingredient is absorbed by the skin. If you use it correctly and only when needed, it is safe to use.