Reye's syndrome

Symptoms:

• a history of preceding URI or chickenpox (about 1 week previously)
• nausea
• vomiting (possible)
• mental status changes
• lethargy
• confusion
• combative behavior
• loss of consciousness or coma may develop
• seizures
• unusual posturing (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 may be associated with this disorder:

• weakness in arms or legs
• muscle function loss or paralysis of the arms or legs
• double vision
• speech difficulties
• hearing loss

Signs and tests:

• blood chemistry tests shows low glucose (hypoglycemia)
• elevated liver enzymes (liver function tests)
• elevated serum ammonia test
• a liver biopsy
• a spinal tap for cerebral spinal fluid analysis
• a neurological examination
• a head CT or head MRI scan that rules out other causes of mental status changes
• a variety of other tests that may be indicated