Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Identifying, Diagnosing, and Grading Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors in Genetically Engineered Mouse Models
08:57

Identifying, Diagnosing, and Grading Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors in Genetically Engineered Mouse Models

Published on: May 17, 2024

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: a review

R A O'Brien, G B Young

    Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
    |January 21, 2011
    PubMed

    Insights

    Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a serious drug reaction characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, and altered consciousness. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for managing this condition.

    Area of Science:

    • Neurology
    • Pharmacology
    • Internal Medicine

    Background:

    • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is gaining attention due to improved characterization.
    • Despite increased interest, NMS remains underrecognized by many physicians.
    • Cardinal features include hyperpyrexia, rigidity, altered consciousness, and autonomic instability.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review the proposed pathogenesis of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.
    • To discuss potential complications associated with NMS.
    • To outline current treatment strategies for NMS.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review of existing studies on NMS.
    • Analysis of reported cases and clinical features.
    • Synthesis of information on pathophysiology and management.

    Main Results:

    • NMS is a distinct clinical entity with specific diagnostic criteria.
    • Muscle breakdown is evidenced by enzymatic changes.
    • Autonomic instability is a key feature indicating severity.

    Conclusions:

    • Understanding NMS pathogenesis is key to early diagnosis.
    • Prompt treatment can mitigate severe complications.
    • Further physician education is needed to improve NMS recognition.

    More Related Videos

    Nerve Excitability Assessment in Chemotherapy-induced Neurotoxicity07:42

    Nerve Excitability Assessment in Chemotherapy-induced Neurotoxicity

    Published on: April 26, 2012

    Related Concept Videos

    Antipsychotic Drugs: Therapeutic Uses and Side Effects01:21

    Antipsychotic Drugs: Therapeutic Uses and Side Effects

    Antipsychotic drugs primarily block dopamine and serotonin receptors and cholinergic, adrenergic, and histaminergic receptors, thereby reducing hallucinations and delusions in conditions like schizophrenia. However, they can trigger unwanted extrapyramidal effects such as dystonias, Parkinson-like symptoms, and tardive dyskinesia.
    Despite these side effects, antipsychotics are used therapeutically for various purposes, including managing schizophrenia, preventing nausea and vomiting, curbing...
    Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists01:29

    Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists

    Dopamine receptor antagonists, also known as antipsychotic agents, are critical in managing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. These antiemetic agents block dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), inhibiting signal transmission to the vomiting center. Antipsychotic agents encompass phenothiazines (PTZ), butyrophenones, benzamides, and thienobenzodiazepines (Zyprexa), which are utilized for their antiemetic and sedative properties.
    Phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine...
    Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists01:28

    Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists

    Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors are distributed across the GI tract, vagal afferents, and key CNS regions including the central vomiting center and chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) Chemotherapy agents stimulate enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to release large amounts of substance P (SP). SP is a neuropeptide released by specific sensory nerves in response to many different stressors, including those in the GI mucosa affected by chemotherapy.  SP binds and activates these...
    Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview01:24

    Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview

    Mania, a psychological condition characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and reduced sleep need, is part of the bipolar disorder cycle. The exact cause of mania isn't entirely known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Bipolar disorder involves alternating manic and depressive episodes. Mood stabilizers like lithium, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants help manage these episodes. Lithium carbonate is particularly effective as a...
    Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists01:27

    Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists

    5-HT3 receptor antagonists, such as dolasetron, granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran), and palonosetron (Axoli), are crucial in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and postoperative nausea. These drugs selectively block 5-HT3 receptors in the visceral vagal and spinal afferent nerves, chemoreceptor trigger zone, and the vomiting center. They have a rapid onset of action and can be given as a single dose before chemotherapy. Ondansetron and granisetron, in particular,...
    Parkinson's Disease: Overview01:15

    Parkinson's Disease: Overview

    Neurodegenerative disorders are progressive diseases that cause irreversible damage and loss to neurons in specific brain areas. Examples of these disorders include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These disorders share characteristics such as proteinopathies, selective neuronal vulnerability, and a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The primary therapeutic goal for these conditions is to...