Home > Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders > Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Definition

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare, potentially life-threatening disorder that is usually precipitated by the use of medications that block the neurotransmitter called dopamine. Most often, the drugs involved are those that treat psychosis, called neuroleptic medications. The syndrome results in dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, the branch of the nervous system responsible for regulating such involuntary actions as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and sweating. Muscle tone, body temperature, and consciousness are also severely affected.

Description

Most cases of neuroleptic malignant syndrome develop between four to 14 days of the initiation of a new drug or an increase in dose. However, the syndrome can begin as soon as hours after the first dose or as long as years after medication initiation.

A variety of factors may increase an individual's risk of developing this...