Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Symptoms

By dr. gromatzky

Article Sources

Article Sources

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• 3. Simon LV, Hashmi MF, Callahan AL. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. [Updated 2020 Jun 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482282/
• 4. Tse, Lurdes et al. “Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: A Review from a Clinically Oriented Perspective.” Current neuropharmacology vol. 13,3 (2015): 395-406. doi:10.2174/1570159x13999150424113345

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Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is an emergent situation that requires medical attention with swift diagnosis and treatment. It is the result of misusing certain medications that control the chemical, dopamine, within the brain. This can either occur by overdosing on medications that work by reducing dopamine or by quickly stopping or changing medications that work to increase dopamine. Ultimately, the sudden decrease in dopamine to the brain will, theoretically, cause a chain reaction to the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.³Simon LV, Hashmi MF, Callahan AL. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. [Updated 2020 Jun 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482282/

NMS is suspected by recognizing a recent change in a medication that affects dopamine, along with having rigid muscles, and a fever or hyperthermia. There are other signs that need to be present in order to make the diagnosis complete. Treatment will be around stabilizing dopamine levels and will also depend on the complications that will arise.³Simon LV, Hashmi MF, Callahan AL. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. [Updated 2020 Jun 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482282/ Below are just some of the typical signs and symptoms of NMS.