Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: a life-threatening complication that can be treated effectively
Van Waarde, J.A.; Muller, M.E.T.M.; Verweg, B.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 150(46): 2517-2520
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2162 PMID: 17152323 Document Number: 596973
Two patients with the neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a man aged 31 years and a woman aged 83 years, were referred for electroconvulsive therapy after 70 and 7 days, respectively. Both patients benefited from the treatment, but the patient who had had the syndrome longer had persistent contractures. NMS is potentially lethal. Diagnosis and treatment should be done as soon as possible to prevent mortality and complications. Admission to a general hospital and early consultation of NMS-experienced colleagues is strongly advised. Electroconvulsive therapy is indicated ifa trial course of lorazepam yields insufficient improvement.