title: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
abstract: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a relatively uncommon life-threatening disorder. The widespread use of the neuroleptic and psychotropic medications, however, makes it important for the primary care physician to understand the clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and management of neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Early recognition should be possible. Rapid diagnosis followed by aggressive supportive care and specific pharmacologic therapy can be life saving.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Practice, Lancaster General Hospital, PA.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Connelly
authors.forename: E K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Fowler
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001590:Benztropine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001971:Bromocriptine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000032:analysis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009127:Muscle Rigidity / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009459:Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011379:Prognosis; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy; D014268:Trifluoperazine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D001590:Benztropine; D014268:Trifluoperazine; D001971:Bromocriptine; D003402:Creatine Kinase