14th February 2025

Differential diagnosis of NMS and SS

Key differentials to consider and potentially rule out for both NMS and SS include:

• Sepsis
• Malignant hyperthermia
• Non-convulsive status epilepticus
• Hypoglycaemia
• Delirium

References

• Mitchell J, Jenkins-Welch M, Gurrera R. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome [Internet]. BMJ Best Practice. 2021 [cited 2022 Jan 15]. Available from: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000227
• Benzer T. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology [Internet]. eMedicine. 2021 [cited 2022 Feb 28]. Available from: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/816018-overview
• Isbister G. Serotonin syndrome [Internet]. BMJ Best Practice. 2019 [cited 2022 Feb 28]. Available from: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/991
• Khan SS, Kattan A. Serotonin Syndrome: Practice Essentials, Problem, Management [Internet]. eMedicine. 2019 [cited 2022 Feb 28]. Available from: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2500075-overview