Symptom 6: Dysphagia: The Silent Struggle of NMS
Let’s delve into the shadowy territories of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome to unearth a symptom that often lurks in the background, largely unnoticed: dysphagia, or difficulty in swallowing. This can range from a slight discomfort to a painful ordeal, making even the act of sipping water a battle.
Dysphagia is a fascinating symptom because it sheds light on how NMS disrupts the intricate mechanism of swallowing. This mechanism, a carefully choreographed dance of muscles and nerves, goes awry under NMS’s influence. As the syndrome disrupts normal nerve functions, the harmonious act of swallowing stumbles into chaos.
The result? A struggle that extends beyond the simple act of swallowing. Dysphagia can lead to dehydration and malnutrition, potentially affecting the entire body. And here’s the twist: the consequent weakness can further exacerbate other NMS symptoms, like muscle rigidity and hyperthermia. (6)
