Reye's Syndrome: Symptoms
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Symptoms
Often, symptoms of Reye's syndrome appear during recovery from a viral infection, such as the flu (influenza) or chickenpox (varicella). The symptoms develop rapidly over several hours to a day or two.
The first symptoms may include:
- Sudden onset of retching or vomiting that is not clearly due to stomach flu.
- Sluggishness, lack of energy, and loss of interest in surroundings.
- Strange behavior, such as staring, irritability, personality change, and slurred speech.
- Drowsiness that may lead to severe sleepiness (stupor).
As brain damage progresses, other symptoms may develop, including:
- Confusion and inability to identify whereabouts or family members or to answer simple questions (disorientation).
- Rapid, deep breathing (hyperventilation).
- Aggressive behavior, such as hitting others without reason (combativeness).
- Seizures and abnormal body positioning, and coma.
If Reye's syndrome is not recognized and treated promptly, death can occur.
Before a diagnosis of Reye's syndrome is made, other conditions with similar symptoms may be considered, since Reye's syndrome is so rare.
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| Last updated: | October 12, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Ralph Poore |
| Reviewed By: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman |
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