Neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

The neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially fatal syndrome characterized by diffuse muscular rigidity, pyrexia, sweating, cardiovascular instability, and elevated serum creatinine phosphokinase. NMS occurs in 2% of all patients exposed to neuroleptics (antipsychotic drugs). A case of successfully treated NMS is presented, and the typical symptomatic presentation, etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment options of this syndrome are described.