J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 1992; 4:185-187
Copyright © 1992 by American Neuropsychiatric Association
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome and preexisting brain damage
A Lazarus
Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
A case of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is described in a
congenitally brain-damaged deaf patient. The literature suggests that NMS
in patients with organic brain syndrome is induced by a reduction of
marginal stores of dopamine in the hypothalamus and basal ganglia resulting
from dopamine-blocking activity of neuroleptics, even at conventionally low
doses. Brain-damaged patients should be recognized as being at higher risk
of developing NMS.
