[What do we know today about neuroleptic malignant syndrome?]

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a complication that may occur during treatment with neuroleptic drugs, or after abrupt cessation of dopaminagonists. Although the condition is relatively rare, it has a high mortality of about 20% when untreated. The first symptoms can appear the first day after initiation of treatment with neuroleptic drugs. The syndrome manifests itself in the form of a tetralogy composed of extrapyramidal symptoms, a change in the level of conciousness, elevated body temperature and autonomic instability. It is also associated with secondary laboratory findings such as increased creatine kinase and leucocyte count. Treatment includes stopping the neuroleptic drugs, application of dopaminagonists, benzodiazepines and fluid replacement. If the patient, after an episode of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, has a psychotic relapse, neuroleptica can be recommended after a break of one to four weeks. Two cases are described to demonstrate the picture.