Symptoms Of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a condition that occurs when an individual has an adverse reaction to a medication that affects the function of dopamine in the central nervous system. Because they affect the function of dopamine in the brain and spinal cord, all antipsychotic medications can result in neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Although to a lesser degree than typical antipsychotics, this includes the newer atypical antipsychotics. We don't know the exact cause, but if a medication is going to lead to neuroleptic malignant syndrome, most patients usually begin showing symptoms of an adverse reaction within hours to days of taking the antipsychotic. However, a few patients may not develop symptoms until thirty or more days later. Although the condition is rare, neuroleptic malignant syndrome is life-threatening, so it is important to seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Learn about the signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome now.

Muscle Stiffness

Muscle stiffness has traditionally been one of the first symptoms to appear in classic cases of neuroleptic malignant syndrome. This isn't the type of uncomfortable stiffness associated with arthritis. Instead, in neuroleptic malignant syndrome, the muscles actually become extremely rigid. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome can also lead to other problems with muscles. These problems include muscle tremors, a loss of the ability to use muscles voluntarily, severe muscle spasms, and other abnormal, involuntary movements.

Individuals with neuroleptic malignant syndrome may also experience difficulty swallowing due to problems with the muscles in the esophagus and difficulty breathing due to problems with the diaphragm, which is the main muscle that controls breathing.

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High Fever

Fever tends to arise as a symptom later in the development of most cases of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, so patients will likely have experienced other symptoms before noticing a fever. The fever in neuroleptic malignant syndrome is usually high, falling within the range of 102 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Although fever is considered a hallmark sign of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a few cases of the condition have been reported in which there was no fever at all.

Treatment for neuroleptic malignant syndrome is usually supportive, and generally consists of removing the drug that may be causing the syndrome, bringing the fever down, normalizing dopamine levels, and providing fluids and nutrition. The fact that a high fever may or may not be present in neuroleptic malignant syndrome is critical to keep in mind when this condition is suspected.

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Abnormal Or Fast Heartbeat

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome causes an abnormal or fast heartbeat because it leads to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which is the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, breathing, and digestion. Because of these changes in the autonomic nervous system, patients may also experience rapid breathing, blood pressure changes, and even incontinence. Once symptoms arise, they can progress very rapidly, and they can reach their peak in as few as three days. Because neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a real, life-threatening concern, if patients have recently started taking an antipsychotic and begin to experience abnormalities or increases in their heart rate, this may be a sign of autonomic dysfunction and they may want to schedule a visit with their primary care physician or psychiatrist, or perhaps seek emergency care, for a more in-depth investigation and evaluation.

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Increased Saliva Production

Also because of neuroleptic malignant syndrome's effects on the autonomic nervous system, increased saliva production can be another symptom. This increased saliva production can take the form of feeling the need to swallow more often, spit more often, or drooling, particularly if the body is producing so much additional saliva individuals cannot compensate for it by swallowing. If patients have recently started taking an antipsychotic and have noticed an increase in saliva production, it may be worthwhile to seek medical attention from a doctor or psychiatrist to ensure the two are not related.

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Increased Sweating

Also because of the effects of neuroleptic malignant syndrome on the autonomic nervous system, the syndrome can lead to increased sweating. The sweating in neuroleptic malignant syndrome tends to be so severe it often leads to drenched clothing. Also, because it is due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, the increased sweating can take place whether there is a fever present or not. Sweating can also be accompanied by the appearance of pale skin or the appearance of reddish skin due to flushing. Because the profuse sweating often leads to dehydration, the increase in sweating can eventually take the form of extreme thirst due to fluid loss and excessive water drinking due to dehydration. Patients who have recently started taking an antipsychotic and have also recently started experiencing an increase in sweating or an increase in thirst or in water-drinking should seek medical attention from their prescribing physician to identify the cause.