The Kahlbaum Syndrome is a Risk Factor for the Development of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Abstract

A case is presented of a 57-year-old woman with psychotic deterioration and catatonia, who was ultimately found to have Kahlbaum Syndrome (KS). The patient was initially diagnosed with schizophrenia and treated with intramuscular injection olanzapine. Her condition rapidly worsened to a state consistent with neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Supportive care and diazepam yielded only partial benefit. However, switching from diazepam to lorazepam and combination with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) led to the resolution of NMS. The authors discuss the possibility of KS as disease entity and the clinical utility of KS classification.



J Neurol Res. 2011;1(3):117-120
doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jnr36e