injuries and poisoning
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Introduction
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is confusion or unresponsiveness, muscle rigidity, high body temperature, and other symptoms that occur when certain antipsychotic (neuroleptic) drugs or anti-vomiting (antiemetic) drugs are used. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome develops in a very small number of people who are given certain types of drugs. Symptoms include a dangerously high body temperature, muscle rigidity, and agitation. Doctors base the diagnosis on the person's symptoms and on what they find during a physical examination. Treatment involves stopping the drug, reducing body temperature, and providing support in an intensive care unit. (See also Overview of Heat Disorders .) Neuroleptic malignant syndrome develops in a small number of people who are treated with antipsychotic or antiemetic drugs (see table Drugs That Can Cause Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome ), usually within the first few weeks of treatment. The risk of developing the syndrome varies between 0.02% and 3% depending on many factors. The syndrome is most common among men who, because they are agitated, are given rapidly increased doses of antipsychotics or high doses initially. Doctors are not sure why the syndrome develops. 