Neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

NMS is an uncommon disorder characterized by hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, autonomic imbalance, altered levels of consciousness and significant mortality. Successful treatment of NMS requires a high degree of suspicion, rapid recognition of clinical signs and symptoms and institution of therapy with dantrolene and possibly dopaminergic agonists. This condition is precipitated by neuroleptic drugs, which are commonly used in many medical specialties. All medical practitioners responsible for primary care, psychiatrists and anesthesiologists should be familiar with the manifestations of the hypermetabolic syndromes of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, Malignant Hyperthermia, and Neuroleptic Malignant-like Syndrome and should be prepared to initiate appropriate therapy.