Final answer:
NMS treatment requires immediate cessation of the offending drug, supportive care in a hospital setting, hydration, and correction of electrolytes, with potential medication interventions like dantrolene or bromocriptine. Neuroleptics like haloperidol that can cause NMS target the dopamine receptors, specifically in brain areas such as the basal ganglia and substantia nigra, which oversee motor control.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening reaction that can occur in response to neuroleptic or antipsychotic medication. As such, the treatment for NMS is critical and includes several key steps. Immediately upon suspicion of NMS, the offending medication should be discontinued. Supportive care in a medical facility is critical, often requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission for close monitoring. Hydration and correction of electrolyte imbalances are important, as is managing fever. Medications such as dantrolene, bromocriptine, or amantadine may be used to help with symptoms and counteract the effects of the neuroleptics.
Because NMS affects the nervous system, especially motor control, the focus is often on the regions that are involved with movement. Haloperidol, one of the neuroleptics that can cause NMS, targets the dopamine receptors in the brain, particularly those in the basal ganglia and substantia nigra, which are areas heavily involved in motor function regulation.