Notice: Users may be experiencing issues with displaying some pages on stanfordhealthcare.org. We are working closely with our technical teams to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.
 

Learn about the flu shot, COVID-19 vaccine, and our masking policy »

Stanford Health Care

NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME - A PATHOGENETIC ROLE FOR DOPAMINE RECEPTOR BLOCKADE NEUROLOGY Henderson, V. W., Wooten, G. F. 1981; 31 (2): 132-137

Abstract

The neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) of extrapyramidal signs and hyperthermia is an uncommon complication of therapy with the major tranquilizers. Other manifestations are pallor, diaphoresis, blood pressure fluctuation, tachycardia, and tachypneic hypoventilation, which may necessitate respirator support. Death often occurs, but full recovery can result with prompt recognition and proper management. In a patient with Parkinson disease and a chronic psychiatric disorder treated with haloperidol, typical features of NMS appeared upon cessation of dopaminergic antiparkinsonian drugs. Manifestations of NMS are attributed to dopamine receptor blockade in the striatum, increasing thermogenesis, and in the hypothalamus, impairing heat dissipation.

View details for Web of Science ID A1981LD49300003

View details for PubMedID 6110195