Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome and its Clinical Look-Alikes: Diagnostic Insights

Authors

  • Ritesh Bhandari Department of Gastroenterology, Alice Springs Hospital, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia Author
  • Muhammad M Javaid Monash Rural Health Mildura, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Department of Renal Medicine, Woodlands Health, Singapore; School of Medicine, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia Author
  • Pratima Gurung Department of General Medicine, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, NSW, Australia Author
  • Adel Ekladious Department of General Medicine and Acute Assessment Unit, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; ANU College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47363/JJCMR/2024(4)180

Keywords:

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Abstract

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but life-threatening neurological emergency associated with the idiosyncratic reaction to dopamine receptor antagonist medications or with rapid withdrawal of dopaminergic medications. While uncommon, this condition can mimic various other acute conditions presenting with acute dysautonomia, fever, and altered mental status, which can lead to delayed recognition and increased morbidity such as residual catatonia, parkinsonism, renal, or cardiopulmonary complications. Therefore, high vigilance, early recognition, and prompt treatment are necessary. In this review article, we aim to elaborate the pathophysiology, clinical features, and comprehensive management of NMS, with a special focus on its various mimicking conditions.

Author Biographies

  • Ritesh Bhandari, Department of Gastroenterology, Alice Springs Hospital, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia

    Department of Gastroenterology, Alice Springs Hospital, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia

  • Muhammad M Javaid, Monash Rural Health Mildura, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Department of Renal Medicine, Woodlands Health, Singapore; School of Medicine, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia

    Monash Rural Health Mildura, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Department of Renal Medicine, Woodlands Health, Singapore; School of Medicine, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia

  • Pratima Gurung, Department of General Medicine, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, NSW, Australia

    Department of General Medicine, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, NSW, Australia

  • Adel Ekladious, Department of General Medicine and Acute Assessment Unit, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; ANU College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia

    Adel Ekladious, Department of General Medicine and Acute Assessment Unit, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia. 

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Published

2025-12-05

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 6 (2024): Volume 4 Issue 6

Section

Articles