Myxedema Myxedema By: Shannon Moon

What is Myxedema:What is Myxedema:

It is the loss of brain function longstanding low level of thyroid hormone in the blood. Myxedema coma is considered a life-threatening complication of hypothyroidism.

The Cause of Myxedema The Cause of Myxedema

Drugs particularly sedatives, narcotics, anesthesia, lithium, Eskalith, Lithobid, amiodarone, and Cordarone

InfectionsStrokeTraumaHeart failure gastrointestinal bleeding, hypothermia failing to take thyroid medications as

prescribed.

Symptoms of MyxedemaSymptoms of Myxedema

Body temperature is usually abnormally low Hypothermia the core temperature may be low 80F

Severe mental changes including hallucinations, disorientation, seizures and deep coma

Swelling all over the body with swollen eyes, thickening of the tongue.

Dry hair and loss of the outer thirds of the eyebrows.

Difficulty breathingFluid can come around lungs and heart.

Diagnostic Diagnostic

You take a test for thyroid function test.Sometime other blood test will be taken to

and heart and lungs may to.

TreatmentTreatment

Treatment for Myxedema includes breathing and warming up the body temperature to normal. Antibiotics may also be started.

How to prevent MyxedemaHow to prevent Myxedema

A person who has hypothyroidism should visit the doctor and get check ups and blood testing to be certain their replacement dose is appropriate.

PrognosisPrognosis

With treatment, return to the normal state is usual. Life-long medication is needed could result in death.