Reye?s syndrome

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

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Digestive system organs

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Reye?s syndrome

• A history of preceding URI or chickenpox (about 1 week previously)
• Nausea and vomiting (possible)
• Mental status changes
• Lethargy
• Confusion
• Combative behavior
• Loss of consciousness or coma may develop
• Seizures
• Unusual posturing (decerebrate posture -- the arms are extended straight and turned toward the body, the legs are held straight and the toes are pointed downward)

• Weakness in arms or legs
• Muscle function loss or paralysis of the arms or legs
• Double vision
• Speech difficulties
• Hearing loss

• Blood chemistry tests shows low glucose (hypoglycemia)
• Elevated liver enzymes (liver function tests)
• Elevated serum ammonia test
• A liver biopsy
• A spinal tap for cerebral spinal fluid analysis
• A neurological examination
• A head CT or head MRI scan that rules out other causes of mental status changes
• A variety of other tests that may be indicated

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