Abstract
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is an idiosyncratic reaction associated with the use of neuroleptic drugs. We report a case of this rare syndrome in a head injury patient associated with some unusual features: rhabdomyolysis with a high level of creatine kinase, the development of acute renal failure, the early use of continuous venovenous haemofiltration in treatment and rigidity that was refractory to conventional treatment with dantrolene and bromocriptine. The diagnosis in patients with multiple injuries must be based on a high index of suspicion.
References
Caroff SN, Mann SC (1993) Neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Med Clin North Am 77:185–202
Martinez E, Domingo P, Lloret J (1994) Síndrome neuroléptico maligno. Med Clin 102:181–188.
Sangal R, Dimitrijevic R (1985) Neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Successful treatment with pancuronium. JAMA 254:2795–2796
Hirst R, Galloway GQ, Borzotta AP (1993) Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: case report in a multiple trauma patient. Injury 24:193–194
Boorse RC, Rhodes M (1990) Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a multiple trauma patient. Arch Surg 125:274–275
Heird SB, Rhoads JE, Agarwal IN (1989) Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a trauma patient: case report. J Trauma 29:1595–1597
Quinn DE, Goodman MA (1989) Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in the multiple trauma patient. J Orthop Trauma 3:68–70
Vincent FM, Zimmerman JE, Van Haren J (1986) Neuroleptic malignant syndrome complicating closed head injury. Neurosurgery 18:190–193
Eiser AR, Neff MS, Slifkin RF (1982) Acute myoglobinuric renal failure: a consequence of the neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Arch Intern Med 142:601–603
Wkabayashi Y, Kikuni T, Ohwada T, Kikawada R (1994) Rapid fall in blood myoglobin in massive rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure. Intensive Care Med 20:109–112
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Perez-Vela, J.L., Casado, M.S., Sanchez-Izquierdo Riera, J.A. et al. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a patient with head injury. Intensive Care Med 22, 593–595 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01708104
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01708104