Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Synonyms

NMS (Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome)

NMSs (Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome)

Neuroleptic Induced Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, Neuroleptic Induced

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndromes

Neuroleptic-Induced Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Neuroleptic-Malignant Syndrome, Neuroleptic Induced

Syndrome, Neuroleptic Malignant

Syndromes, Neuroleptic Malignant

A potentially fatal syndrome associated primarily with the use of neuroleptic agents (see ANTIPSYCHOTIC AGENTS) which are in turn associated with dopaminergic receptor blockade (see RECEPTORS, DOPAMINE) in the BASAL GANGLIA and HYPOTHALAMUS, and sympathetic dysregulation. Clinical features include diffuse MUSCLE RIGIDITY; TREMOR; high FEVER; diaphoresis; labile blood pressure; cognitive dysfunction; and autonomic disturbances. Serum CPK level elevation and a leukocytosis may also be present. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1199; Psychiatr Serv 1998 Sep;49(9):1163-72)