NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME - A CAUTIONARY TALE AND A SURPRISING OUTCOME

Vigilance is required in order to detect the cardinal signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), especially after prolonged exposure to neuroleptics. in this case, NMS was diagnosed in a 29-year-old man, who had been on fluphenazine decanoate for over one year. coinciding with a cessation of his neuroleptic medication. Vigorous treatment, including assisted ventilation, was necessary, extending over three months. On recovery, his mental state and social functioning had undergone a sustained improvement sufficient for his release from hospital.