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Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

A rare, life-threatening disorder that is caused by neuroleptic medications. It is characterized by fever, muscular cramps and rigidity, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and changes in the mental status that may lead to coma.

Symptoms of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

The following features are indicative of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome:
  • tachycardia
  • very high fever
  • tachypnea
  • irregular pulse
  • altered mental status
  • muscle rigidity
  • excessive sweating
  • profuse perspiration
  • high or low blood pressure
  • hyperkalemia
  • rhabdomyolysis
  • muscle cramps
  • tremors

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Common Causes of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

The following are the most common causes of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome:
  • use of antipsychotic drugs
  • dopamine receptor blockade

Risk Factors for Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome:
  • men
  • Lewy body dementia
  • agitation
  • catatonia
  • dehydration

Prevention of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • increase awareness about the disease

Occurrence of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Rare between 10K - 50K cases

Common Age Group

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome:
  • Detailed medical history and physical examination: To diagnose neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Doctor for Diagnosis of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome:
  • Critical care medicine specialist
  • Neurologist
  • Psychiatrist

Complications of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome if untreated

Yes, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is left untreated:
  • high blood potassium
  • rhabdomyolysis
  • seizures
  • kidney failure
  • can be fatal

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome:
  • Use of cooling blankets or ice packs: Treats the hyperthermia aggressively

Patient Support for Treatment of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

The following actions may help Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome patients:
  • Increase awareness of the syndrome: Helps in lowering the incidence of the disease

Time for Treatment of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • In 1 - 3 months

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

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