neuroleptic malignant syndrome [Gk, neuron, nerve, lepsis, seizure; L, malignus, bad disposition; Gk, syn, together, dromos, course] , a rare, life-threatening condition characterized by hypertonicity, pallor, dyskinesia, fever, incontinence, unstable blood pressure, and pulmonary congestion. It is caused by the administration of neuroleptic drugs at normal or high doses. Reaction to these drugs is idiosyncratic.
