Two Cases of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

ABSTRACT

The neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a serious and potentially fatal complication, has been reported to occur in some patients with administration od neuroleptic medications. Its major manifestations are muscular rigidity, autonomic instability, altered consciousness, and hyperthermia, often accompanied by raised creatine kinase (CK) and leukocytosis. Manifestations of NMS are attributed to dopamine receptor blockade in the striatum, increasing thermogenesis, and in the hypothalamus, impaired heat dissipation. Owing to the potential lethality of NMS, the early diagnosis is important. The authors report two survived patients with the NMS who were treated by generalized supportive care and drug therapy.