Question

Regarding neuroleptic malignant syndrome: All are true EXCEPT?

1) Results from blockade of dopaminergic neurotransmission in the basal ganglia and hypothalamus
2) It may occur after months on a stable drug regimen
3) Specific treatments include cooling, bromocriptine and dantrolene
4) The syndrome characteristically develops over 60 mins and is usually fully blown by 4 hours
5) Clinical features may include mutism, dysarthria, dystonia, incontinence and delirium

Answer 1

In the context of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, the statement that characteristically develops over 60 mins and is usually fully blown by 4 hours is not true; NMS typically develops over days to weeks.

Step-by-step explanation:

Regarding neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), not all the statements listed are true. To clarify:

1. It results from the blockade of dopaminergic neurotransmission in the basal ganglia and hypothalamus.
2. It may occur after months on a stable drug regimen.
3. Specific treatments include cooling, bromocriptine, and dantrolene.
4. The syndrome does not characteristically develop over 60 mins and is usually fully blown by 4 hours. This is incorrect, as NMS typically develops over a period of days or weeks.
5. Clinical features may include mutism, dysarthria, dystonia, incontinence, and delirium.

The correct answer to the question, "Regarding neuroleptic malignant syndrome: All are true EXCEPT," is statement 4: The syndrome characteristically develops over 60 mins and is usually fully blown by 4 hours.