Dr. Westin Childs Podcast: Thyroid | Weight Loss | Hormones

Today is all about the condition known as Thyroid Storm. But what exactly is a thyroid storm? It's best understood as a condition that results from hyperthyroidism but it's unique in that it is considered a medical emergency. A medical emergency is any condition which must be treated as soon as possible or it may lead to death in the person experiencing it. Thyroid storm is most commonly caused by the same conditions that cause hyperthyroidism, the most common being Graves' disease. But, it can also arise spontaneously in patients who have hyperthyroidism but also experience a dramatic illness or condition. Conditions such as having a heart attack, going into DKA, or becoming pregnant have all been known to trigger thyroid storm. The symptoms of thyroid storm include: - Fever (or thermoregulatory dysfunction) - Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) - The rapid development of heart conditions such as heart failure, heart attack or atrial fibrillation - Swelling or edema of the extremities - Neurological dysfunc