Reye's Syndrome
What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
Reye's syndrome can be broken down into two phases. First, a person has a viral infection, such as a cold, chickenpox, or flu. The second phase starts when symptoms of Reye's syndrome occur during recovery from the viral illness. Symptoms can also start 3 to 5 days after the viral illness begins.
A staging system for this disorder has been developed. Stages 1 to 3 represent mild to moderate illness. There is swelling in the brain and involvement of other body systems. Stages 4 and 5 represent severe illness, with increased intracranial pressure.
Stage 1: protracted vomiting and lethargy
Stage 2: vomiting, confusion, deep lethargy, combative behavior, and increased reflexes
Stage 3: light coma, possible seizures, rigid and flexed arms, and fast breathing
Stage 4: deepening coma, seizures, rigid and extended arms, and pupils that are fixed and unresponsive
Stage 5: deep coma, loss of reflexes, fixed and dilated pupils, and lack of breathing or heartbeat
An individual can progress from stages 1 to 5 quickly, sometimes in less than 24 hours. Stage 1 has the best outcome; stage 5 has the worst. Most people with Reye's syndrome will have a mild illness without serious brain problems.
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