Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a life threatening condition. A drop in its incidence as well as mortality has been attributed to increased awareness among the clinicians, early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Central dopamine blockade is considered to play the major role in pathogenesis, though a primary role of sympathoadrenal hyperactivity has also been described, along with various other theories including genetic theories. Apart from conventional neuroleptics, atypical antipsychotics, few antidepressants and many other medications have been considered to be the risk factors for NMS. Hyperthermia, altered mental status, rigidity and autonomic instability are the main clinical symptoms. It is often complicated by renal and respiratory failure. Supportive care is of utmost importance in its management, but bromocriptine, amantadine and dantrolene have been seen to hasten recovery.