Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare disorder that causes a high fever, stiff muscles, and changes in mental status. It occurs in a small number of people who are taking a neuroleptic medicine or other medicines that block the effects of the brain chemical dopamine. This is a life-threatening condition that requires treatment in the hospital right away.
CAUSES
This syndrome is most often caused by an adverse reaction to:
• Certain antipsychotic (neuroleptic) medicines.
• Certain medicines for nausea and vomiting.
The exact cause of the reaction is not known. The disorder may also occur in someone who suddenly stops taking a certain type of medicine for Parkinson disease or Huntington disease (dopaminergic …show more content…
This may make movements difficult.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Uncontrolled shaking of body parts (tremor).
• Lack of energy (lethargy).
• Confusion.
• Unresponsiveness and reduced level of consciousness (stupor).
• High blood pressure.
• Fast heartbeat.
• Loss of bladder control.
DIAGNOSIS
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is diagnosed based on your symptoms and your history of taking neuroleptic or antipsychotic medicines. There is no specific test that can be used to diagnose this condition. However, various tests will be done to rule out other conditions that can cause your symptoms. Tests may include:
• Blood tests.
• Urine tests.
• Cerebral spinal fluid tests.
• X-rays of your chest.
• Imaging studies to check the central nervous system (neuroimaging tests).
• Electroencephalogram (EEG).
TREATMENT
Treatment will include stopping the medicine that caused the condition. In addition, the symptoms need to be treated in the hospital right away. Treatment may include:
• Methods to reduce a high fever by quickly cooling your body. Examples include using ice packs or wrapping your body in a cooling blanket. Medicines to reduce fever may also be used.
• Medicines to increase dopamine
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare disorder that causes a high fever, stiff muscles, and changes in mental status. It occurs in a small number of people who are taking a neuroleptic medicine or other medicines that block the effects of the brain chemical dopamine. This is a life-threatening condition that requires treatment in the hospital right away.
CAUSES
This syndrome is most often caused by an adverse reaction to:
• Certain antipsychotic (neuroleptic) medicines.
• Certain medicines for nausea and vomiting.
The exact cause of the reaction is not known. The disorder may also occur in someone who suddenly stops taking a certain type of medicine for Parkinson disease or Huntington disease (dopaminergic …show more content…
This may make movements difficult.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Uncontrolled shaking of body parts (tremor).
• Lack of energy (lethargy).
• Confusion.
• Unresponsiveness and reduced level of consciousness (stupor).
• High blood pressure.
• Fast heartbeat.
• Loss of bladder control.
DIAGNOSIS
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is diagnosed based on your symptoms and your history of taking neuroleptic or antipsychotic medicines. There is no specific test that can be used to diagnose this condition. However, various tests will be done to rule out other conditions that can cause your symptoms. Tests may include:
• Blood tests.
• Urine tests.
• Cerebral spinal fluid tests.
• X-rays of your chest.
• Imaging studies to check the central nervous system (neuroimaging tests).
• Electroencephalogram (EEG).
TREATMENT
Treatment will include stopping the medicine that caused the condition. In addition, the symptoms need to be treated in the hospital right away. Treatment may include:
• Methods to reduce a high fever by quickly cooling your body. Examples include using ice packs or wrapping your body in a cooling blanket. Medicines to reduce fever may also be used.
• Medicines to increase dopamine