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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.

Symptoms of Thyroid Storm

• Rapid heart beats (palpitations)
• Greatly increased body temperature
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Anxiety and irritability
• Disorientation
• Increased sweating
• Weakness
• Heart failure

Diagnosis of Thyroid Storm

The following tests are usually performed to diagnose thyroid storm:

• blood cell count,
• electrolyte levels,
• blood sugar level,
• liver function, and
• thyroid hormone levels.

Investigations of Thyroid Storm

• Investigations for any underlying precipitant - eg, infection screen.
• TFTs: elevated T3 and T4 levels, elevated T3 uptake, suppressed TSH levels.
• Indications of decompensation of homeostasis - eg, renal dysfunction, elevated creatine kinase, electrolyte imbalance (due to dehydration), anaemia, thrombocytopenia, raised white cell count, abnormal LFTs (raised levels of transaminases, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin), hypercalcaemia, hyperglycaemia.
• ECG.
• CXR.
• Arterial blood gases and pH.

Thyroid Storm Self-Care at Home

People experiencing thyroid storm are not able to function normally. Thyroid storm is always a medical emergency. People experiencing symptoms of thyroid storm should be taken to the closest hospital, because thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition.