Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
Reye syndrome often begins with vomiting, which lasts for many hours. The vomiting is quickly followed by irritable and aggressive behavior. As the condition gets worse, the child may be unable to stay awake and alert.
Other symptoms of Reye syndrome:
- Confusion
Lethargy - Loss of consciousness or coma
- Mental changes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Unusual placement of arms and legs (
decerebrate posture ) -- the arms are extended straight and turned toward the body, the legs are held straight, and the toes are pointed downward
Other symptoms that can occur with this disorder include:
Double vision Hearing loss -
Muscle function loss or paralysis of the arms or legs Speech difficulties -
Weakness in the arms or legs
Signs and tests
The following tests may be used to diagnose Reye syndrome:
Blood chemistry tests -
Head CT orhead MRI scan Liver biopsy Liver function tests Serum ammonia test Spinal tap
Images
Previous Section
Review Date: 07/26/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of
Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
