Reye Syndrome - Symptoms

Often, symptoms of Reye 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 syndrome is not recognized and treated promptly, death can occur.

Before a diagnosis of Reye syndrome is made, other conditions with similar symptoms may be considered, because Reye syndrome is so rare.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 18, 2008

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