Hiccups as a Rare Presentation of Thyrotoxicosis Triaged by an Epidural Steroid Injection

Abstract

Thyrotoxicosis manifests when excess levels of thyroid hormone act on different tissues throughout the body. Excess hormone levels can be related to endogenous production or exogenous ingestion and can present differently in patients. It has been theorized that high levels of thyroxine can irritate the neuroanatomical hiccup center leading to persistent hiccups. Although extremely rare, physicians should be aware of this entity to allow for proper diagnosis and management. Here, we discuss a rare case of thyrotoxicosis after an epidural steroid injection presenting with intractable hiccups.