Reye's Syndrome: Symptoms Worth Looking Out For

13. Loss of Consciousness

Loss of consciousness is one of the most alarming late-stage symptoms of Reye’s syndrome and requires emergency medical care. This can present as unresponsiveness, fainting, or slipping into a coma. It reflects severe swelling of the brain and typically follows earlier warning signs like vomiting, lethargy, or disorientation. By the time consciousness is lost, the brain is in critical distress, and immediate hospitalization is essential to prevent death or lasting damage. While this symptom is more common in advanced cases, it can occur rapidly—within hours of initial signs. If a child becomes unresponsive, treat it as a life-threatening emergency.

14. Visual Disturbances

Some children with Reye’s syndrome report blurry vision, double vision, or light sensitivity. These visual changes are a result of intracranial pressure affecting the optic nerves and visual centers of the brain. Because children may not always articulate visual changes clearly, parents should watch for signs like squinting, covering one eye, or complaining about “weird” vision. Light sensitivity may also trigger headaches or irritability. Though not as well-known as vomiting or seizures, visual symptoms are another subtle sign of swelling inside the skull. When combined with other neurological red flags, they should prompt immediate evaluation.