ECT in the neuroleptic malignant syndrome: case report.

Two patients are described who presented with clinical features of catatonia and fever, and were retrospectively diagnosed as having neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). In both cases, ECT resulted in dramatic reduction of fever and the beginning of overall clinical improvement. It is postulated that the beneficial effect of ECT resulted from increased dopamine turnover in the brain. ECT should be considered in cases of NMS in which there is life-threatening fever.