Thyroid Storm

1. Hyperthyroidism Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Thyroid Disorder Quiz
3. Thyroid Symptoms and Solutions Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Robert Ferry Jr., MD

Robert Ferry Jr., MD

Robert 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.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa 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.

View Full Profile

• Thyroid Storm Overview
• Thyroid Storm Causes
• Thyroid Storm Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Thyroid Storm Diagnosis
• Thyroid Storm Treatment
• Thyroid Storm Medical Treatment
• Thyroid Storm Follow-up
• Thyroid Storm Prevention
• Thyroid Storm Prognosis
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Author and Editor
• Read more on Thyroid Storm from Healthwise
• Viewer Comments: Thyroid Storm - Symptoms

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.

Must Read Articles Related to Thyroid Storm

Thyroid Problems Diseases of the thyroid gland can lead to hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, thyroid goiters, or thyroid cancer. Causes of hypothyroidism include...learn more >>

See the Entire Thyroid Storm Topic Guide »