Living with Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
A rare nervous system reaction to tranquilizer or antipsychotic medicines, with high fever, stiff muscles, and changes in alertness.
Understanding Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
These medicines are commonly prescribed for schizophrenia and other mental, emotional, and neurological conditions. People can have high fever, muscle stiffness, sweating, unstable blood pressure, changes in mental state, and problems with automatic body functions. In most cases it starts within the first 2 weeks of treatment, but it can start at any time during treatment.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- High fever
- Stiff muscles
- Heavy sweating
- Fast heart rate
- High or unstable blood pressure
- Less awareness or alertness
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by a reaction to neuroleptic or antipsychotic medicines. The exact underlying cause is unknown. Because more than one family member can be affected in some cases, there may be a genetic part.
Also known as: malignant neuroleptic syndrome; nms; nms - neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Patient organizations
- Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United StatesNeuroleptic malignant syndrome · United States
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Perspectives from people navigating life with Neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
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