Patients with hyperthyroidism are at risk for developing a thyroid storm, a rare but potentially fatal illness. Extremely high levels of thyroid hormones can induce a variety of symptoms in susceptible individuals, including high body temperature, rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, and mental clouding. Let's explore more: https://www.southlakegeneralsurgery.com/thyroid-storm-symptoms-causes-and-treatments/

1. Thyroid Storm:
Symptoms,
Causes, and
Treatments
By
Dr. Valeria Simone MD
(Southlake General Surgery,
Texas)

2. OVERVIEW
Patients with hyperthyroidism are at risk for developing a thyroid storm, a rare but
potentially fatal illness. Extremely high levels of thyroid hormones can induce a variety
of symptoms in susceptible individuals, including high body temperature, rapid heart
rate, nausea, vomiting, and mental clouding.
It’s an urgent situation that requires immediate medical attention. A thyroid storm is a
medical emergency, and in this post, we’ll go over the symptoms, causes, and
treatments.

3. What is Thyroid Storm?
Thyroid storm, also known as thyrotoxicosis, is a severe consequence of an overactive thyroid gland. The
condition is most prevalent in individuals with untreated or poorly managed hyperthyroidism, although it
can also manifest in those with graves’ disease or multinodular goiter.
The thyroid is a small endocrine gland situated in the neck, just below the Adam’s Apple. The thyroid
gland releases hormones that control metabolism and calcitonin, which aids in maintaining a healthy
blood calcium level.
The thyroid gland secretes hormones that govern many bodily functions, including metabolism, growth,
and development, as well as the rate at which the heart beats, the rate at which food is digested, and the
rate at which the digestive process works.
Overproduction of these hormones by the thyroid gland causes the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, which
include increased heart rate, decreased appetite, and increased sensitivity to heat. A thyroid storm can
develop if these signs are ignored.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid generates an excess amount of hormone, causing symptoms
like a rapid heart rate, sudden weight loss, and an inability to tolerate heat. Thyroid storms, which occur
when these symptoms are severely exacerbated, can be prevented with treatment.

4. What are the causes of Thyroid
Storm?
Thyroid storm has a variety of possible causes, although none have been definitively established. Untreated or
poorly controlled hyperthyroidism is the most common cause, while stress or acute thyrotoxicosis also plays a
role. Excessive medication use or thyroid hormone replacement therapy might lead to thyroid overstimulation.
Infection, trauma, or surgery are just some of the various medical conditions that might set off a thyroid storm.
Thyroid storm can be caused by several different medical issues. Among these are Graves’ disease, pituitary
gland deficiency, iodine exposure, and several drugs. Another possible cause of thyroid storm is an
overabundance of thyroid hormones or another hormonal imbalance. This potentially fatal consequence is also
more common in pregnant women and individuals with autoimmune disorders.
Medication consumption, particularly of amiodarone, lithium, or interferon-alpha, is another potential trigger
of thyroid storm. Hyperthyroidism can also be triggered by consuming specific foods and herbs, such as
licorice. Furthermore, eating meat (particularly pork and beef) has been related to a higher risk of developing
thyroid storm. Finally, environmental factors like exposure to chemicals or radiation can play a role.
Thyroid storm can be avoided if people with hyperthyroidism are properly evaluated and managed. Medication
or thyroid hormone replacement therapy, for instance, could be required. In addition, it’s important to control
your stress and keep an eye on any underlying health problems. Thyroid storm can be life-threatening if not
treated quickly, so it’s crucial to notice the signs as soon as they appear.

5. Who experiences a thyroid storm?
Thyroid storm is a rare phenomenon, with an estimated incidence of 1-2 cases per million people
per year. Hyperthyroidism is the most prevalent cause, but Graves’ disease and multinodular goiter
can also contribute to its development.
Thyroid storm is more likely to occur in people who have autoimmune diseases, who are pregnant,
or who use specific drugs. Exposure to excessively high quantities of radiation or environmental
toxins can also cause this potentially lethal sickness.

6. What are the Symptoms of a Thyroid
Storm?
Thyroid storm presents with symptoms that are comparable to hyperthyroidism but are more acute,
severe, and quickly debilitating. For this reason, it’s possible that persons experiencing a thyroid storm
won’t be able to get medical attention on their own. The most frequently encountered symptoms are:
• Fever
• nausea and vomiting
• palpitations
• diaphoresis
• tachycardia
• weakness
• confusion
• agitation
• delirium.
In more severe cases, it can lead to congestive heart failure and, in extreme cases, even death if left
untreated.

7. How to diagnose Thyroid Storm?
A thyroid storm is usually diagnosed after a thorough physical examination in addition to the results
of various laboratory testing.
Complete blood count (CBC), basic metabolic panel (BMP) for electrolyte imbalance, hormone levels
including T4, T3, and TSH, and thyroid autoantibodies are some examples of the tests that may be
administered.
Ultrasounds and CT scans are two examples of imaging procedures that may be needed to rule out
other potential causes of symptoms. It is also possible to examine the thyroid gland with an uptake
scan to spot any abnormalities or detect any potential tissue damage.

8. Treatment of Thyroid Storm
Medications and other forms of supportive care are often used in conjunction with one another to treat
patients experiencing this problem.
Beta-blockers, steroids, and antithyroid medications are some examples of the types of medications that
may be prescribed to treat Graves’ disease.
• Beta-blockers are used to slow the heart rate and alleviate any symptoms that may be present.
• Steroids and antithyroid medications are used to lower the risk of developing complications.
In addition, it is essential to provide supportive treatment, which may include the restoration of fluids
and electrolytes, as well as the monitoring of vital signs, to ensure that the situation is properly managed.
In certain instances, in order to effectively manage the illness, thyroidectomy maybe required. This may
be the case if the symptoms are particularly severe or if the patient does not respond favorably to
treatment.

9. Thyroid storm in pregnant women is difficult to treat since it is essential to consider both the
mother’s health and the health of the unborn child when formulating a treatment plan for the
patient.
This can be accomplished by the careful monitoring of hormone levels and the provision of
medications such as beta-blockers and antithyroid medications to lower the risk of difficulties for
both the mother and the kid.
Because some medications might not be safe for pregnant women, it is essential to talk to your
medical professional about the safest and most effective course of action. In the event that it is
necessary, additional supportive care, including the restoration of fluids and electrolytes, should
also be administered.

10. How to prevent Thyroid Storm?
The best method to prevent this condition is to obtain routine check-ups and to keep a close eye on
any changes in hormone levels. This will enable the prompt identification and resolution of any
underlying causes.
In addition to this, it is essential to have a healthy lifestyle, make an effort to lower levels of stress,
and eat in a way that is nutritionally balanced.
It is imperative that you discuss the potential risks and advantages of continuing to take any
medications with your primary care physician if you are currently taking any medications that have
the potential to alter hormone levels.
In conclusion, it is essential that you get medical assistance as soon as you possibly can if you
encounter any of the signs of this disease.

11. Complications of Thyroid Storm
The intensity of a patient’s thyroid storm can have a variety of effects on the consequences that can
arise from the disease. The following are examples of common complications:
• Let’s explore more: Thyroid Storm: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments - Southlake General
Surgery

12. Appointment
For more information on “Thyroid Storm: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments” and consultation
with Dr. Valeria Simone MD, at Southlake General Surgery, Texas, USA. You can contact
our healthcare expert today for a quick appointment at +1(817) 748-0200.
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• Source: Thyroid Storm: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments - Southlake General Surgery

13. THANK YOU!
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