Reye syndrome

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Digestive system organs

Symptoms of Reye syndrome include:

• Recent upper respiratory infection or chickenpox
• Nausea and vomiting
• Mental status changes
• Lethargy
• Confusion
• Combative behavior
• Loss of consciousness or coma may develop
• 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)

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

The following tests may be used to diagnose Reye syndrome:

• Blood chemistry tests show low blood sugar (glucose) levels
• Liver function tests show higher than normal levels of liver enzymes
• Serum ammonia test may be higher than normal
• Liver biopsy
• Spinal tap
• Head CT or head MRI scan help rule out other causes of mental status changes

Review Date: 08/18/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.