[Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: a rare long lasting case report]

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a neurological emergency related to neuroleptics medication. Diagnosis is clinical. Authors present the case of a 32-year-old Caucasian man with a history of moderated oligophreny treated with stable doses of psychotropic and neuroleptic drugs. Because of aggressivity outbreaks, he was administered high doses of intramuscular haloperidol decanoate for a period of ten days. One month later he had evolved with mental deterioration, mutism, generalized rigidity, fever, tachycardia, hypotension and diaphoresis. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome was diagnosed. Supporting treatment was provided and intercurrences treated. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a fatal disease in 10 to 20% of patients; otherwise it resolves in about two weeks. In rare cases, like this one the authors report, it has a prolonged evolution of months.