Fact 9: Presence of Autonomic Dysregulation
One of the hallmark features of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is the presence of autonomic dysregulation. Autonomic dysregulation refers to the dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system—the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary body functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. In NMS, this manifests as unstable blood pressure, altered heart rate, excessive sweating, and other autonomic symptoms.
In NMS, autonomic symptoms can range from mild to severe. Patients may experience fluctuating blood pressure, rapid or irregular heart rate, excessive sweating, and in some cases, incontinence. These symptoms result from the disruption of normal autonomic nervous system function and can significantly contribute to the patient’s discomfort and the severity of the condition.
Autonomic dysregulation can also have diagnostic implications. The presence of autonomic symptoms, alongside other symptoms like hyperthermia and muscle rigidity, can help physicians in diagnosing NMS. However, it’s important to note that autonomic symptoms alone are not sufficient for an NMS diagnosis—they must be considered in the context of the overall clinical picture.
The extent of autonomic dysregulation can often correlate with the severity of NMS. More pronounced autonomic symptoms may indicate a more severe case of NMS and can potentially predict worse outcomes. Therefore, close monitoring of autonomic symptoms and their management forms a key part of NMS treatment. (9)
