Series of seizures as a sign of development of recurrent malignant neuroleptic syndrome - a case report

Psychiatr Danub. 2006 Jun;18(1-2):97-101.

Abstract

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is an uncommon but sometimes fatal complication of neuroleptics and other medications that involve the central dopaminergic system. Many diagnostic criteria have been proposed for NMS but because of its variable presentation, universal criteria have not been established yet. Hyperthermia, disturbances of consciousness, extrapyramidal and autonomic symptoms are common features of NMS. We report the case of a 36 years old woman suffering from chronic schizophrenia and treated with flufenazine and olanzapine, who presented with series of generalised tonic-clonic seizures as the acute onset of recurrent malignant neuroleptic syndrome. Although atypical neuroleptics were previously thought to have less risk for MNS, combination of conventional and atypical neuroleptics in therapy increases the risk of NMS development and olanzapine might be responsible for the epileptic manifestations at the onset of fulminant NMS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Benzodiazepines / administration & dosage
  • Benzodiazepines / adverse effects
  • Chronic Disease
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Electroencephalography / drug effects
  • Epilepsy, Generalized / chemically induced*
  • Epilepsy, Generalized / diagnosis
  • Fluphenazine / administration & dosage
  • Fluphenazine / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Olanzapine
  • Recurrence
  • Risk Factors
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Seizures / chemically induced*
  • Seizures / diagnosis

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Olanzapine
  • Fluphenazine