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Thyroid Storm

Thyroid Storm Overview

The thyroid gland, located at the front part of the neck, is responsible for making substances (thyroid hormones) that are important for all body cells to work properly.

In certain conditions, the thyroid becomes over-active and produces too much of its hormones, a situation called hyperthyroidism. People with hyperthyroidism have problems that reflect over-activity of the organs of the body, resulting in symptoms such as sweating, feeling hot, rapid heartbeats, weight loss, and sometimes eye problems. When the levels of thyroid hormones become very high in a patient who has hyperthyroidism, the symptoms get worse and can result in a serious condition called thyroid storm. One major sign of thyroid storm that differentiates it from plain hyperthyroidism is a marked elevation of body temperature, which may be as high as 105-106 ºF. Thyroid storm is unusual, but when it occurs, it is a life-threatening emergency. People experiencing symptoms of thyroid storm should be taken to an emergency department.



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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 (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism) hormone.

  • 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 pituitary gland, also in the brain. In response, the pituitary gland then releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) into the blood. The TSH travels to the thyroid gland and stimulates the thyroid...

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

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.

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