Reye's Syndrome is a rare and potentially deadly disease that affects the liver and brain, most commonly in children. It is not fully understood but is associated with viral infections like the flu and use of salicylate medications. Symptoms start with nausea and lethargy and can progress to disorientation, seizures, and coma as the liver fails and ammonia infects the brain. Treatment focuses on supporting organ function in the hospital intensive care unit until the body can recover, as there is no specific cure.

1. Reye's Syndrome A medical mystery

2. What is it? Rare, deadly disease, to which no one is immune

3. Occurs most commonly in children, but teens and adults may also be affected

4. Attacks the liver and brain Liver will malfunction, becoming unable to remove harmful wastes

5. Ammonia infects the brain

6. Causes Exact cause unknown

7. Associated with aspirin and other salicylic-containing medications (anti-inflammatory)

8. Not contagious