Two young women with no risk factors for cerebrovascular disease
developed hyperpyrexia, rigidity, and autonomic features while taking
neuroleptic agents. The first presented with increasing rigidity, profuse
diaphoresis and dehydration, and a right hemiparesis, and computed
tomography (CT) showed a left striato-capsular infarction. The second
became unresponsive following severe hypoxia and was found to have
left-sided pyramidal signs three days later. Hemoconcentration and
hypoxemia predispose to cerebral ischemic injury in the neuroleptic
malignant syndrome and should be avoided as much as possible.
Abstract Teaser