title: The neuroleptic malignant syndrome: a logical approach to the patient with temperature and rigidity.
abstract: The neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare, potentially fatal, adverse reaction to neuroleptic drugs characterised by severe rigidity, high temperature and autonomic dysfunction. In the light of the hypothesized pathophysiology of this condition, a rational approach to the management of patients presenting with temperature and rigidity is provided. The aims of this approach are three-fold: to reduce the incidence of the condition, to be able to recognise it early so as to treat before life-threatening complications arise, and to be able to recognise early those conditions which mimic neuroleptic malignant syndrome, so as not to delay their specific treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, St Luke's Hospital, Malta.
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Balzan
mesh_terms: D003422:Critical Care; D003620:Dantrolene / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005334:Fever / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009459:Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D018491:Dopamine Agonists; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D003620:Dantrolene