What is a common symptom of both hypo and hyperthyroid patients if they experience a thyroid storm?

In the context of a thyroid storm, a high fever is a common and critical symptom. Thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition that occurs in individuals with hyperthyroidism, wherein there is an extreme surge of thyroid hormones leading to a hypermetabolic state. This hypermetabolism can manifest as a drastically elevated body temperature, often reaching fever levels that can exceed 104°F (40°C).

In the setting of thyroid disorders, while both hypo and hyperthyroid patients may experience various symptoms, the hallmark of thyroid storm is the overwhelming elevation in metabolism, which prominently includes high fever. This elevated temperature is often accompanied by other symptoms such as tachycardia and confusion, but it stands out as a key feature of the acute exacerbation typical of a thyroid storm.

Other symptoms listed, such as weight loss or severe fatigue, may be observed in chronic cases of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and elevated blood pressure can be a feature in hyperthyroid states; however, they do not specify the acute and severe nature of a thyroid storm as distinctly as high fever does. Thus, a high fever serves as a pivotal indicator in diagnosing and recognizing the urgent situation of a thyroid storm.