[Neuroleptic malignant syndrome]. / La sindrome maligna da neurolettici.

The paper defines neuroleptic malignant syndrome and analyses its incidence, predisposing factors, etiology, pathological anatomy and pathogenetic hypotheses. Symptomatology consists of three principal symptoms: extrapyramidal symptoms, hyperthermia, deregulation of the autonomic nervous system. The differential diagnosis of other similar conditions is outlined together with a proposal for a treatment protocol. Emphasis is laid on the importance of prevention.