Thyroid Storm
Medical Author:
Robert Ferry Jr., MD
Robert Ferry Jr., MDRobert Ferry Jr., MD, is a U.S. board-certified Pediatric Endocrinologist. After taking his baccalaureate degree from Yale College, receiving his doctoral degree and residency training in pediatrics at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), he completed fellowship training in pediatric endocrinology at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Thyroid Storm OverviewLocated at the front part of the neck, the thyroid gland is responsible for making substances (thyroid hormones) essential for all body cells to work properly. In certain conditions, the thyroid becomes over-active and produces too much thyroid hormone in the body, a state called hyperthyroidism. People with hyperthyroidism have problems from over-activity of several organs, resulting in symptoms such as sweating, feeling hot, rapid heartbeats, weight loss, and sometimes eye problems. When thyroid hormone levels become very high, the symptoms worsen and can result in a serious condition called thyroid storm or thyrotoxic crisis. One major sign of thyroid storm that differentiates it from oridnary hyperthyroidism is a marked elevation of body temperature, which may be as high as 105-106 F (40.5-41.1 C). Thyroid storm is unusual, but is a life-threatening emergency when it does occur. People experiencing symptoms of thyroid storm should be promptly taken to an emergency department.
Thyroid Storm CausesThyroid storm can be considered to be an extreme degree of hyperthyroidism and typically occurs in an individual with untreated hyperthyroidism. Precipitating factors, including trauma and stresses, have been identified, including:
Viewer Comments & ReviewsThyroid Storm - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What were the symptoms of your thyroid storm? |
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.
From WebMD
Healthy Resources
Featured Centers
- Ask the Nutritionist: Weight Loss Tips
- Which Drugstore Tooth Whiteners Work Best?
- Gout: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Thyroid Storm
Thyroid Problems Overview
The thyroid gland is located on the front part of the neck below the thyroid cartilage (Adam's apple). The gland produces thyroid hormones, which regulate body metabolism. Thyroid hormones are important in regulating body energy, the body's use of other hormones and vitamins, and the growth and maturation of body tissues.
Diseases of the thyroid gland can result in either production of too much (overactive thyroid disease or hyperthyroidism), too little (underactive thyroid disease or hypothyroidism) thyroid hormone, thyroid nodules, and/or goiter. All types of thyroid problems in women are much more common than thyroid problems in men.
- Production of thyroid hormones: The process of hormone synthesis begins in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus releases thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). The TRH travels through the venous plexus located in the pituitary stalk to the ...
Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape
Thyroid Storm »
Thyroid storm, also referred to as thyrotoxic crisis, is an acute, life-threatening, hypermetabolic state induced by excessive release of thyroid hormones (THs) in individuals with thyrotoxicosis.
Featured Topics
Medical Dictionary
Pill Identifier on RxList
- quick,
easy,
pill identification
Find a Local Pharmacy
- including
24 hour
pharmacies
