Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: An Intensive Care Unit Case of Exceptionally High Creatinine Kinase and Myoglobin Levels

Cureus. 2024 Mar 17;16(3):e56306. doi: 10.7759/cureus.56306. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Abstract

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a rare, life-threatening neurologic emergency known to be related to the administration or sudden withdrawal of dopaminergic medications. The clinical course, symptoms, and bloodwork are very heterogeneous, making this syndrome difficult to identify. Thus, NMS is a diagnosis of exclusion. We present a case of severe NMS with exceptionally high creatinine kinase (CK) and myoglobin levels with unclear etiology and a challenging differential diagnosis. Also, our case stands out because it was serious, unique, and had a favorable outcome, which could contribute to the management of future similar cases.

Keywords: acute renal failure; antipsychotic medications; dopamine; neuroleptic malignant syndrome; neurologic emergency; rhabdomyolysis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports