About Us | Privacy | Site Map
February 3, 2012
Font Size
A
A
A
1
...

Thyroid Storm

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

Thyroid Storm Overview

Located 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.

Picture of the Thyroid Gland

Thyroid Storm Causes

Thyroid 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:

  • Infections, especially of the lung
  • Thyroid surgery in patients with overactive thyroid gland
  • Stopping medications given for hyperthyroidism
  • Too high dose of thyroid hormone replacement
  • Treatment with radioactive iodine
  • Pregnancy
  • Heart attack or cardiac emergencies
1
...

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Thyroid Storm - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What were the symptoms of your thyroid storm?

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.



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 the Thyroid Problems article »


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.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

Medical Dictionary


Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick,
    easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including
    24 hour
    pharmacies