examination of the pulse, reflexes and hair
Last reviewed 01/2018
The pulse is rapid in thyrotoxicosis, and may be associated with arrhythmias and fibrillation. In hypothyroidism, the pulse is slow and the pulse volume is low.
Reflexes are very brisk in thyrotoxicosis; in hypothyroidism the relaxation time is much slowed.
The hair becomes greasy, lank, and may fall in thyrotoxicosis as a result of overstimulation of sebaceous glands. In hypothyroidism the hair becomes dry, brittle, and falls. Classically hypothyroid patients lose the outer third of their eyebrows.