Thyroid Storm

Thyroid Storm: A Medical Emergency

What is Thyroid Storm?

Thyroid storm is a rare but life-threatening condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can lead to a number of serious complications, including heart failure, stroke, and even death.

Symptoms of Thyroid Storm

The symptoms of thyroid storm can vary, but they typically include:

• Fever
• Rapid heart rate
• Sweating
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Muscle weakness
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Hallucinations

Causes of Thyroid Storm

Thyroid storm can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Untreated hyperthyroidism
• Sudden discontinuation of anti-thyroid medication
• Infection
• Trauma
• Surgery
• Radioactive iodine therapy

Treatment of Thyroid Storm

The treatment of thyroid storm is aimed at reducing the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood. This can be done with medication, surgery, or radioactive iodine therapy.

Medication is the most common treatment for thyroid storm. Anti-thyroid medication, such as methimazole or propylthiouracil, can be used to block the production of thyroid hormone. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol or atenolol, can be used to slow the heart rate and reduce blood pressure.

Surgery may be necessary if medication is not effective in controlling thyroid storm. Surgery can be used to remove the thyroid gland or to reduce the size of the thyroid gland.

Radioactive iodine therapy can be used to destroy the thyroid gland and reduce the production of thyroid hormone. Radioactive iodine therapy is usually only used in cases of severe thyroid storm that is not responding to medication or surgery.