Myxedema By: Shannon Moon

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 Drugs particularly sedatives, narcotics, anesthesia, lithium, Eskalith, Lithobid, amiodarone, and Cordarone Infections Stroke Trauma Heart failure gastrointestinal bleeding, hypothermia failing to take thyroid medications as prescribed.

Symptoms 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 breathing Fluid can come around lungs and heart.

Diagnostic You take a test for thyroid function test. Sometime other blood test will be taken to and heart and lungs may to.

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

How 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.

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