15th February 2025

A 45-year-old woman with a known diagnosis of schizophrenia attends A&E in an ambulance.

A 45-year-old woman with a known diagnosis of schizophrenia attends A&E in an ambulance. She appears confused and agitated and has a temperature of 40°C. When you feel her wrist she is sweaty, and her pulse is fast and irregular. She displays generalised muscle rigidity, and on passive movement of her arms you elicit lead-pipe rigidity. What is the likely diagnosis?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.