Recognizing thyroid storm in the neurologically impaired patient.

Thyroid storm is a life-threatening complication of thyroid dysfunction that is manifested by signs of cardiac arrhythmias, fever, and neurological impairment. These symptoms can easily be attributed to a multitude of factors commonly seen in neurological intensive care units, making the recognition and diagnosis of this event difficult. In this case study, a patient presents with a complicated course of hospitalization exacerbated by thyroid storm. Early nursing care and medical collaboration offset a potentially fatal condition.