title: Difficulties in diagnosing neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
abstract: This report describes a recent case of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a rare adverse effect of antipsychotic medications. Assessment of the neuroleptic malignant syndrome was carried out by using the Naranjo Algorithm Probability Scale which resulted in a highly probable reaction to haloperidol. The difficulties in establishing the diagnosis in this patient lead to late intervention resulting in a slow recovery and prolonged hospitalization. Our objective in this presentation is to highlight the importance of early recognition of this potentially fatal adverse drug reaction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Riyadh Armed Forces Hospital, PO Box 7897, Riyadh 11159, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. monizolezzi@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Monica S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Zolezzi
authors.forename: Abdullah M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Al-Hathloul
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009459:Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D013997:Time Factors