Reye's Syndrome: Symptoms Worth Looking Out For

5. Disorientation Or Hallucinations

Disorientation, confusion, and hallucinations are neurological symptoms that may occur because of the swelling in the brain. These are severe symptoms that need emergency treatment. A child experiencing disorientation may forget where they are, what they're doing, or who they're speaking to in a manner beyond normal absentmindedness. They may be confused about what's happening around them, struggle to follow a line of conversation, or have trouble communicating. Hallucinations involve seeing or hearing things that aren't there, or experiencing other sensations that aren't happening. These experiences are caused by the brain failing to accurately interpret information about the outside world. If the affected child doesn't receive emergency treatment, neurological symptoms can lead to permanent brain injury or even death.

6. Irritability and Mood Changes

In the early stages of Reye’s syndrome, some children may display sudden mood swings or become unusually irritable. This can manifest as restlessness, frequent crying, or aggressive behavior that’s out of character. These mood changes often precede more obvious neurological symptoms and may be dismissed as crankiness during illness recovery. However, when irritability is extreme or accompanied by lethargy or confusion, it may indicate that brain swelling has begun. Since children can’t always articulate what’s wrong, behavioral shifts like these should raise concern—especially in the days following a viral infection. Early attention can prevent rapid neurological decline.