Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Following Haloperidol Administration in ICU Delirium: A Case Report

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of antipsychotic medication. I present the case of a 67-year-old man who developed NMS following haloperidol administration for ICU delirium. The patient exhibited the classic tetrad of symptoms: altered mental status, muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, and autonomic instability, along with elevated creatine kinase indicating rhabdomyolysis. This case highlights the importance of careful antipsychotic use in critically ill patients, early recognition of NMS, and prompt intervention. I discuss the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of NMS in the context of neurocritical care, with particular emphasis on the risk-benefit assessment of antipsychotic use in delirium management.