What does NMS mean in MEDICAL
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially fatal condition that affects people taking antipsychotic medication. It is characterized by muscular rigidity and autonomic hyperactivity, along with elevated body temperature, altered mental state, and other signs and symptoms. NMS typically develops within one to three weeks of starting or increasing the dose of an antipsychotic medication, though it can also occur after stopping one abruptly. It is important for individuals taking antipsychotics to be aware of the symptoms of NMS in order to seek medical attention promptly if they develop any of them. This article will provide an overview of NMS and its causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment options, prognosis, and prevention strategies.
NMS meaning in Medical in Medical
NMS mostly used in an acronym Medical in Category Medical that means Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Shorthand: NMS,
Full Form: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
For more information of "Neuroleptic malignant syndrome", see the section below.
Causes
The exact cause of NMS is unknown. However, researchers believe that it may be related to the effects of dopamine antagonists on dopamine receptors in the brain or an imbalance between dopamine levels in the body versus those present in the brain. Dopamine antagonists are commonly prescribed for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), Tourette syndrome (TS), restless legs syndrome (RLS), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and alcoholism. Antipsychotics that can cause NMS include risperidone, haloperidol, fluphenazine hydrochloride, olanzapine thiothixene chlorpromazine Generic lithium carbonate clozapine fluvoxamine sertindole quetiapine ziprasidone paroxetine lurasidone paliperidone aripiprazole asenapine loxapine aripripazole iloperidone zuclopenthixol amisulpride.
Risk Factors
There are certain risk factors associated with developing NMS such as being male; having a history of substance abuse; having neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease; being elderly; taking high doses of antipsychotic medications; having sudden changes in dosing regimens or type of medication used; being malnourished; having poor functioning kidneys or liver; experiencing dehydration or electrolyte imbalances; or undergoing surgery.
Diagnosis
NMS can be difficult to diagnose since its symptoms can mimic those seen with other conditions such as serotonin syndrome or infection. To confirm a diagnosis of NMS physicians will use physical examination findings along with laboratory tests including complete blood count with platelet count eosinophil count creatinine kinase creatine phosphokinase white cell count electrolytes urinalysis renal function tests and magnetic resonance imaging scan.
Treatment Options
Treatment for NMS typically involves discontinuing use immediately of any suspected offending medications followed by supportive care including hydration electrolyte repletion controlling fever sedation nursing care monitoring vital signs daily assessments and nutritional support if necessary. In addition benzodiazepines can be administered to decrease muscle rigidity while bromocriptine may be used as an anticholinergic agent if necessary.
Prognosis
While recovery times vary depending on individual circumstances most patients generally make a full recovery within two weeks after supportive treatment has begun. However there have been cases where patients have died from complications associated with NMS so it is important to seek medical attention immediately when symptoms appear.
Prevention Strategies
In order to prevent occurrence of this serious adverse reaction close monitoring is recommended for individuals taking antipsychotics especially when initially beginning treatment adjusting doses abruptly going off medications suddenly combinations certain drug classes are administered together or those prescribed higher than recommended dosages Additionally it may beneficial for patients to maintain good hydration nutrition rest diet and exercise during treatment.
Essential Questions and Answers on Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in "MEDICAL»MEDICAL"
What is Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a rare, life-threatening side effect of certain medications used to treat psychiatric disorders. It is caused by an excessive amount of dopamine blocking agents in the body and can lead to serious complications such as fever, muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability, which may be fatal.
What are the symptoms associated with Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?
Some of the symptoms associated with NMS include high fever, muscle stiffness or rigidity, mental confusion, altered consciousness, sweating, rapid heart rate, changes in blood pressure or irregular heartbeat. Muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis can also occur.
Who is at risk of developing Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?
People who have recently started taking neuroleptic medications for psychiatric disorders are at higher risk for developing NMS. Other factors that can increase NMS risk include young age and dehydration.
How is Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome diagnosed?
To diagnose NMS, your doctor will ask about your medical history and conduct a physical exam. Your doctor may also order laboratory tests such as an ECG (electrocardiogram), CBC (complete blood count), renal function tests, liver function tests and creatine phosphokinase levels (muscle enzyme test).
How is Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome treated?
Treatment for NMS typically involves discontinuing the neuroleptic medication thought to be causing it; providing supportive care; and administering IV fluids and electrolytes if needed. Additional treatments such as dantrolene sodium or bromocriptine therapy may also be recommended depending on the patient's condition. Antipsychotic drugs should not be administered until normalcy has been restored with symptomatic treatment of NMS.
Can Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome cause death?
Yes, if left untreated NMS can be fatal due to respiratory arrest or cardiac arrest triggered by muscle rigidity or seizures from abnormal brain activity caused by high dopamine levels in the body.
How long does it take for a person to recover from Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?
The recovery time from NMS varies depending on the severity of the syndrome but generally takes several days to two weeks after treatment has begun. Recovery will be monitored closely by your doctor throughout this time period until all symptoms have resolved completely.
Is there any way to prevent getting Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?
Yes, you can reduce your chances of getting NMS by avoiding alcohol consumption while taking neuroleptics; maintaining good hydration levels; avoiding abrupt changes in dose; not skipping doses; monitoring carefully for signs/symptoms of increased dopamine blockade; and consulting with a physician if uncomfortable side effects arise while taking these medications.
Are there any long-term side effects associated with recovering from Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?
Recovery from NMS usually results in complete resolution of symptoms without any long-term consequences although some may experience residual weakness after recovering from severe muscle rigidity or metabolic abnormalities that require additional supportive care.
Are there support groups available for people who have experienced Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?
Yes! There are many online support groups available through social media platforms like Facebook that offer help for people who have experienced NMS as well as their family members who want to learn more about living with this syndrome.
Final Words:
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially fatal condition caused by taking antipsychotic drugs classified as dopamine antagonists that affect dopamine receptor activity in the brain. Those at risk include males elderly individuals those with neurological disorders individuals abusing other substances those changing dosages abruptly malnutrition poor renal and hepatic functions dehydration electrolyte imbalances surgery etcetera Symptoms indicate rigid muscles hypertension altered mental status tachycardia tremors difficulty breathing agitation delirium confusion etcetera To prevent this adverse effect close monitoring education about warning signs proper dosing regimens healthy diet physical activity etcetera must vehemently encouraged If symptoms occur emergency medical assistance must be sought out immediately as prompt interventions significantly reduce mortality rates associated with this condition.
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