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

ABSTRACT

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.