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thyroid storm

overview

thyroid storm (thyroid crisis) is a potentially life-threatening condition for people who have hyperthyroidism. thyroid storm happens when your thyroid gland suddenly releases large amounts of thyroid hormone in a short period of time. if you have thyroid storm, you will need emergency medical treatment.

thyroid storm is more likely to develop when a person has a serious health problem in addition to hyperthyroidism or in people who have untreated or undertreated graves' disease. the problem usually happens after a stressful event or a serious illness, such as a major infection. it may also be triggered by surgery or by using iodine for a ct scan or in radioactive iodine therapy.

what are the symptoms?

symptoms of thyroid storm include:

thyroid storm can lead to coma, heart failure, or death.

credits

current as of: october 2, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
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