title: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: A Review from a Clinically Oriented Perspective.
abstract: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening side-effect that can occur in response to treatment with antipsychotic drugs. Symptoms commonly include hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, autonomic dysfunction and altered mental status. In the current review we provide an overview on past and current developments in understanding the causes and treatment of NMS. Studies on the epidemiological incidence of NMS are evaluated, and we provide new data from the Canada Vigilance Adverse Reaction Online database to elaborate on drug-specific and antipsychotic drug polypharmacy instances of NMS reported between 1965 and 2012. Established risk factors are summarized with an emphasis on pharmacological and environmental causes. Leading theories about the etiopathology of NMS are discussed, including the potential contribution of the impact of dopamine receptor blockade and musculoskeletal fiber toxicity. A clinical perspective is provided whereby the clinical presentation and phenomenology of NMS is detailed, while the diagnosis of NMS and its differential is expounded. Current therapeutic strategies are outlined and the role for both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment strategies in alleviating the symptoms of NMS are discussed.
authors.forename: Lurdes
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tse
authors.forename: Alasdair M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Barr
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Scarapicchia
authors.affiliation: Non-Invasive Neurostimulation Therapies Laboratory at UBC (NINET), UBC Hospital; Detwiller Pavilion, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2A1. fidel.vilarodriguez@ubc.ca.
authors.forename: Fidel
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vila-Rodriguez
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D009127:Muscle Rigidity / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009459:Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents