Thyroid storm is best described as which condition?

• A. Hypothyroidism
• B. Parathyroidism
• C. Severe Hyperthyroidism
• D. Adrenal Insufficiency

Answer: (C)

Thyroid storm is an acute, life-threatening exacerbation of hyperthyroidism. In this crisis, excessive thyroid hormones drive a dangerous hypermetabolic state, causing very high fever, tachycardia, hypertension, agitation or delirium, sweating, and GI symptoms, and it can rapidly progress to heart failure or shock if not treated promptly. This description—an extreme, dangerous flare of thyroid hormone effect—best matches severe hyperthyroidism. It’s not hypothyroidism (which is a deficiency of thyroid hormone and tends to slow metabolism), nor a parathyroid issue (which centers on calcium regulation), nor adrenal insufficiency (a different endocrine crisis with its own set of symptoms).