User:Mr. Ibrahem/Thyroid storm

Thyroid storm is a complication of high thyroid that typically result in fever, fast heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, and agitation. Temperatures may be greater than 41 C. Occasionally it presents as weakness and blunted emotions. Complications may include heart failure, psychosis, atrial fibrillation, or liver problems.

Episodes are often triggered by other illnesses such as infection or surgery; though may also occur in those with simply untreated high thyroid. The most common underlying cause of high thyroid is Graves' disease. Diagnosis is based on symptoms.

Initial treatment is with supportive care together with beta-blockers (propranolol or esmolol); antithyroid medications (propylthiouracil or methimazole); potassium iodine; and hydrocortisone. Supportive measures may include intravenous fluids and temperature control. Addressing any triggers is also required. People often require admission to the intensive care unit. The risk of death is as high as 25%, despite treatment.

Thyroid storm is rare, affecting about 1 per 150,000 people per year in the United States. Age of onset is often in peoples 40s. It occurs three times more often in women compared to men. The condition was initially described in 1926 by Lahey.