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Updated: May 29, 2026

Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis
Published on: November 21, 2013
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in adolescents: four probable cases in the Western Cape
1Lentegeur Hospital, Mitchell's Plain, Cape Town. thenders@pgwc.gov.za
Background:
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare side-effect of neuroleptic medication. Most NMS reports have been on adults, and the incidence in children and adolescents is unknown.
Objective:
This report reviews cases of NMS to highlight possible risk factors for the development of NMS in adolescents.
Method:
Four cases of probable NMS in adolescents diagnosed in the Western Cape between February 2009 and March 2010 are presented.
Results:
Risk factors in the development of the syndrome in adolescents in the Western Cape may be male gender, polypharmacy, the use of zuclopenthixol acetate (clopixol acuphase), a previous history of extra-pyramidal side-effects or NMS, and a history of substance misuse - in particular methamphetamine.
Conclusion:
Caution must be applied in the apparent overuse of intramuscular antipsychotics, and especially zuclopenthixol acetate (clopixol acuphase), in neuroleptic-naïve and agitated psychotic adolescents where the short-term use of benzodiazepines is more appropriate.
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Seizures: Classification
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
