Strangulation-Induced Thyrotoxicosis in a Patient with Undiagnosed Underlying Graves' Disease

Thyrotoxicosis is a constellation of symptoms including palpitations, tremors, agitation, and heat intolerance, caused by excess thyroid hormone. It can be life-threatening in its most serious form. We present a rare case of thyrotoxicosis provoked by mechanical trauma to the neck via strangulation in a young female with a history of self-resolving postpartum symptoms of hyperthyroidism one year prior, but no formal diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction. Although hyperthyroidism and posttraumatic stress have many similar features, thyroid storm is a life-threatening disorder that needs immediate intervention.