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Warning-sign checks

Thyroid storm: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services immediately if someone with known or possible hyperthyroidism has a high fever together with a very fast heartbeat, confusion, severe agitation, fainting, seizures, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, or extreme drowsiness.

    Do not drive yourself if you may be seriously unwell.

    Emergency assessment is also needed for chest pain, severe shortness of breath, collapse, or loss of consciousness, whether or not a thyroid problem is known.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent same-day medical advice if hyperthyroid symptoms are rapidly worsening, an infection is accompanied by a racing heartbeat, or vomiting means prescribed thyroid medicine cannot be kept down.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for stable symptoms, planned thyroid blood tests, medicine reviews, and discussion of longer-term treatment after recovery.

    New palpitations, unexplained weight loss, heat intolerance, or persistent shaking should be assessed, but these symptoms alone do not prove thyroid storm.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Thyroid storm. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.