Can patients with hypo or hyperthyroidism experience a thyroid storm?

A thyroid storm, also known as thyrotoxic crisis, is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in individuals with hyperthyroidism. It is characterized by an extreme overproduction of thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as fever, tachycardia, and altered mental status.

While only hyperthyroid patients can experience a thyroid storm, it is important to note that hypothyroidism does not lead to this condition. Instead, patients with hypothyroidism may face completely different complications related to their hormonal deficiency, such as myxedema coma. Therefore, the statement is accurate because it acknowledges that only patients with hyperthyroidism can experience a thyroid storm, ruling out hypo or normal thyroid states as potential causes for this acute exacerbation.