Neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Five patients with neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) are described. The syndrome developed earlier and took longer to resolve in patients with schizophrenic disorders. Deterioration in the level of consciousness presented earlier than rigidity and fever in all five patients and was thus considered a major criterion. A significant proportion of the patients showed abnormalities of gaze. In four of the five patients spontaneous recovery occurred without the need for specific drugs.