What does thyroid storm mean?

Hi Anniepannie,

Here's the definition from the Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary, as
found on the MedlinePlus website
(http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwmednlm?book=Medical&va=thyroid%20storm):

Main Entry: thyroid storm
Function: noun
: a sudden life-threatening exacerbation of the symptoms (as high
fever, tachycardia, weakness, or extreme restlessness) of
hyperthyroidism that is brought on by various causes (as infection,
surgery, or stress)

You may also find the websites listed at the MedlinePlus health topic
for thyroid diseases
(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/thyroiddiseases.html) helpful.

Please let me know if you need further information about this condition,

Librariankt

Thyroid storm is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism. It often is
precipitated by a physiologically stressful event. If untreated,
thyroid storm may be fatal. In the emergency department, thyroid storm
often must be recognized and treated on clinical grounds, because
laboratory confirmation of the disease cannot be obtained in a timely
manner.

According to the "Dictionary of Medical Terms" (1994 - Barron's
Medical Guide), a Thyroid Storm is a "crisis in uncontrolled
hyperthyroidism  in which the release of thyroid hormone into the
bloodstream causes rapid pulse, fever, respiratory distress, and
restlessness, leading to delirium, heart failure, and death. Treatment
is by antithyroid drugs."

For information about thyroid storms and hyperthyroidism otherwise,
check out the website for the National Graves Disease Foundation: 
www.ngdf.org.