Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a patient with Parkinson's disease: a case study.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially lethal condition that has been described in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) after long-term dopaminergic medications are suddenly stopped or moderately decreased. If patients with PD develop severe rigidity, stupor, and hyperthermia, L-Dopa withdrawal should be suspected and the dopaminergic drug restarted as soon as possible to prevent rhabdomyolysis and renal failure. Nurses who are knowledgeable about NMS can provide prompt identification of the PD patient's condition and prevent a potentially lethal cascade of symptoms.
Ward
Constance
C
Neurology Care Line-127PD 2002 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA. constance.ward@med.va.gov
D000368:Aged; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003221:Confusion / Q000209:etiology; D003620:Dantrolene / Q000627:therapeutic use; D046690:Deep Brain Stimulation; D003681:Dehydration / Q000209:etiology; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000097:blood; D005334:Fever / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D007980:Levodopa / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009459:Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D010808:Physical Examination; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D013997:Time Factors; D016482:Urinalysis
D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D015259:Dopamine Agents; D004573:Electrolytes; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D007980:Levodopa; D003620:Dantrolene