Fever, muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability are key features of which condition?

Fever, muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability are key features of which condition?

• A. Acute psychosis
• B. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
• C. Status epilepticus
• D. Serotonin syndrome

Answer: (B)

The key features of fever, muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability are characteristic of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a serious reaction to antipsychotic medications. NMS is thought to be related to dopamine receptor blockages, particularly in the central nervous system. The fever associated with NMS can be quite high and is often accompanied by significant muscle stiffness or rigidity, which can lead to complications such as rhabdomyolysis. Autonomic instability in NMS can manifest as fluctuations in blood pressure, heart rate, and sweating. The other conditions listed could show some overlapping symptoms, but they do not present the complete triad of fever, muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability as specifically and classically seen in Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. For instance, acute psychosis may involve altered mental status and can lead to autonomic changes, but lack the physical symptoms like rigidity and significant fever. Status epilepticus primarily features prolonged seizures and does not typically present with muscle rigidity or fever as dominant symptoms. Similarly, serotonin syndrome presents with autonomic instability and altered mental status, but it includes excessive neuromuscular activity rather than the rigidity seen in NMS, and the fever may not be as pronounced. Thus,

The key features of fever, muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability are characteristic of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a serious reaction to antipsychotic medications. NMS is thought to be related to dopamine receptor blockages, particularly in the central nervous system. The fever associated with NMS can be quite high and is often accompanied by significant muscle stiffness or rigidity, which can lead to complications such as rhabdomyolysis. Autonomic instability in NMS can manifest as fluctuations in blood pressure, heart rate, and sweating.

The other conditions listed could show some overlapping symptoms, but they do not present the complete triad of fever, muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability as specifically and classically seen in Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. For instance, acute psychosis may involve altered mental status and can lead to autonomic changes, but lack the physical symptoms like rigidity and significant fever. Status epilepticus primarily features prolonged seizures and does not typically present with muscle rigidity or fever as dominant symptoms. Similarly, serotonin syndrome presents with autonomic instability and altered mental status, but it includes excessive neuromuscular activity rather than the rigidity seen in NMS, and the fever may not be as pronounced. Thus,