Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (pronunciation: nʊərəˈlɛptɪk məˈlɪɡnənt sɪnˈdroʊm) is a rare, but potentially life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs. It typically occurs as an idiosyncratic reaction to first exposure to these drugs, or to an increase in dosage.

Etymology

The term "neuroleptic" is derived from the Greek words neuron (nerve) and lepsis (seizure). "Malignant" is derived from the Latin malignus (evil or malicious), and "syndrome" is from the Greek syndromē (concurrence).

Symptoms

Symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome include high fever, altered mental status, muscle rigidity, and autonomic dysfunction. The onset of symptoms is often rapid, usually within two weeks of starting or increasing the dosage of an antipsychotic medication.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is primarily based on the presence of characteristic symptoms following exposure to an antipsychotic drug. Laboratory tests may show increased levels of creatine kinase, a marker of muscle breakdown, and changes in white blood cell count.

Treatment

Treatment involves immediate discontinuation of the antipsychotic medication, supportive care to manage symptoms, and sometimes the use of medications such as dantrolene or bromocriptine to reverse the syndrome.

Related Terms

• Antipsychotic drugs
• Dantrolene
• Bromocriptine
• Creatine kinase

See Also

• Serotonin syndrome
• Malignant hyperthermia

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Wikipedia's article - Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

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