#271 Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome - Pathophysiology, Diagnosis & Treatment

WhiteBoard Medicine - Emergency And Critical Care · May 30, 2026 · 29m

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but life-threatening toxicologic emergency associated with dopamine blockade and antipsychotic medications. Early recognition is critical in the emergency department, ICU, inpatient wards, and perioperative settings. In this episode, we review the fundamentals of neuroleptic malignant syndrome including: • Pathophysiology • Dopamine blockade • Common causative medications • Hyperthermia • Muscle rigidity • Elevated CK and rhabdomyolysis • Autonomic instability • Differential diagnosis • Serotonin syndrome vs NMS • ICU and emergency department…