Neuroleptic malignant syndrome--a cautionary tale and a surprising outcome.

Vigilance is required in order to detect the cardinal signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), especially after prolonged exposure to neuroleptics. In this case, NMS was diagnosed in a 29-year-old man, who had been on fluphenazine decanoate for over one year, coinciding with a cessation of his neuroleptic medication. Vigorous treatment, including assisted ventilation, was necessary, extending over three months. On recovery, his mental state and social functioning had undergone a sustained improvement sufficient for his release from hospital.