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Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: observations on altered consciousness
Pharmacopsychiatry
|July 1, 1987
Summary
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) can cause deep coma in schizophrenia patients. Anticholinergic treatment may reverse this coma, suggesting central cholinergic hyperactivity is key.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Schizophrenia treatment often involves neuroleptic medications.
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a rare but serious adverse reaction.
Observation:
- A patient with untreated schizophrenia developed NMS on day two of neuroleptic treatment.
- The primary symptom was profound coma, alongside mental deterioration, fever, and extrapyramidal signs.
Findings:
- Anticholinergic administration rapidly restored the patient's consciousness.
- This suggests central cholinergic hyperactivity, not hyperthermia, causes NMS-induced coma.
Implications:
- Central cholinergic systems may be stimulated by neuroleptics.
- Anticholinergics show potential for treating NMS-related coma.