Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but life-threatening toxicologic emergency associated with dopamine blockade and antipsychotic medications. Early recognition is critical in the emergency department, ICU, inpatient wards, and perioperative settings. In this episode, we review the fundamentals of neuroleptic malignant syndrome including: • Pathophysiology • Dopamine blockade • Common causative medications • Hyperthermia • Muscle rigidity • Elevated CK and rhabdomyolysis • Autonomic instability • Differential diagnosis • Serotonin syndrome vs NMS • ICU and emergency department management • Supportive care strategies • Bromocriptine and dantrolene This episode is designed for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, trainees, respiratory therapists, and anyone interested in emergency critical care medicine and toxicology. 🎥 YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di0ksOt1Dl0 📚 Download the study guide + access our complete emergency critical care curriculum: https://www.patreon.com/c/WhiteBoardMedicine Our Patreon includes: • PDF study guides for every episode • Emergency critical care mini-courses • Practice questions • Ad-free content • A structured ICU curriculum 🎧 WhiteBoard Medicine Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whiteboard-medicine-emergency-and-critical-care/id1808306430 DISCLAIMER: This content is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Clinical decisions should always be made using independent medical judgment, current guidelines, institutional protocols, and consultation with appropriate specialists. This content does not establish a physician-patient relationship and may not reflect the views of any affiliated institutions or employers.

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