Kenneth A. Sullivan

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

NMS is an uncommon disorder characterized by hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, autonomic imbalance, altered levels of consciousness and significant mortality. Successful treatment of NMS requires a high degree of suspicion, rapid recognition of clinical signs and symptoms and institution of therapy with dantrolene and possibly dopaminergic agonists. This condition is precipitated by neuroleptic drugs, which are commonly used in many medical specialties. All medical practitioners responsible for primary care, psychiatrists and anesthesiologists should be familiar with the manifestations of the hypermetabolic syndromes of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, Malignant Hyperthermia, and Neuroleptic Malignant-like Syndrome and should be prepared to initiate appropriate therapy.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in elderly patients

Antipsychotic drugs are widely and increasingly prescribed for neurobehavioral disorders in elderly patients. However, the efficacy of these drugs has not been consistently demonstrated in geriatric populations and there are continuing concerns regarding adverse effects. Among the latter are severe neurological disorders, including neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Although the incidence and mortality of neuroleptic malignant syndrome may have declined with heightened awareness of this disorder and the development of newer drugs, neuroleptic malignant syndrome still occurs in association with the use of antipsychotics. To enhance patient safety and clinical vigilance among practitioners, the authors present a clinical overview of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.