In the case of a large dose of radiation, referred to as acute radiation syndrome, certain common symptoms appear. One of the symptoms is bone marrow syndrome. This symptom refers to radiation damage to quick reproducing cells such as bone marrow, the spleen, and lymphatic tissue. Symptoms include internal bleeding, fatigue, bacterial infections, and fever.
A second symptom is gastrointestinal tract syndrome, which is characterized by damage to cells that divide less rapidly (such as the linings of the stomach and intestines). Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, electrolytic imbalance, loss of digestion ability, bleeding ulcers, and the symptoms of blood-forming organ syndrome.
The third symptom is called central nervous system syndrome. This symptom refers to damage to cells that do not reproduce. Symptoms include loss of coordination, confusion, coma, convulsions, shock, and the symptoms of the blood forming organ and gastrointestinal tract syndromes. Deaths from these symptoms are not direct and are usually caused by complications.
