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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffIn Reye's syndrome, a child's blood sugar level typically drops while the levels of ammonia and acidity in his or her blood rise. At the same time, the liver may swell and develop fatty deposits. Swelling may also occur in the brain, which can cause seizures, convulsions or loss of consciousness.
The signs and symptoms of Reye's syndrome typically appear about three to five days after a viral infection, such as the flu (influenza) or chickenpox, or an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold.
Initial signs and symptoms
For children younger than age 2, the first signs of Reye's syndrome may include:
- Diarrhea
- Rapid breathing
For older children and teenagers, early signs and symptoms may include:
- Persistent or continuous vomiting
- Unusual sleepiness or lethargy
Additional signs and symptoms
As the condition progresses, signs and symptoms may become more serious, including:
- Irritable, aggressive or irrational behavior
- Confusion, disorientation or hallucinations
- Weakness or paralysis in the arms and legs
- Seizures
- Excessive lethargy
- Decreased level of consciousness
These signs and symptoms require emergency treatment.
When to see a doctor
Early diagnosis and treatment of Reye's syndrome can save a child's life. If you suspect that your child has Reye's syndrome, it's important to act quickly.
Seek emergency medical help if your child:
- Has seizures or convulsions
- Loses consciousness
Contact your child's doctor if your child experiences the following after a bout with the flu or chicenpox:
- Vomits repeatedly
- Becomes unusually sleepy or lethargic
- Has sudden behavior changes
- NINDS Reye's syndrome information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/reyes_syndrome/reyes_syndrome.htm. Accessed May 27, 2011.
- Reye's syndrome. National Reye's Syndrome Foundation. http://www.reyessyndrome.org/pdfs/Awareness_Lists_English_full.pdf. Accessed May 27, 2011.
- Ropper AH, et al. The acquired metabolic disorders of the nervous syndrome. In: Ropper AH, et al. Adam's and Victor's Principles of Neurology. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3639722&searchStr=reye+syndrome#3639722. Accessed May 31, 2011.
- Stone CK, et al. Neurologic emergencies. In: Stone CK, et al. Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Emergency Medicine. 6th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3108592&searchStr=reye+syndrome. Accessed May 31, 2011.
- Gosalakkal JA, et al. Reye syndrome and Reye-like syndrome. Pediatric Neurology. 2008;39:198.
- Reyes syndrome — Acute. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com. Accessed June 1, 2011.
- Kawasaki disease. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4634. Accessed June 1, 2011.
- Recommended immunization schedules for persons aged 0 through 6 years — United States, 2011. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/child/0-6yrs-schedule-bw.pdf. Accessed June 1, 2011.
- Recommended immunization schedules for persons aged 7 through 18 years — United States, 2011. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/child/7-18yrs-schedule-bw.pdf. Accessed June 1, 2011.
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