GRAVE’S DISEASE BY Ashley Walker

Description Grave’s Disease is and autoimmune disorder that leads to over activity of the Thyroid Gland Grave’s Disease is and autoimmune disorder that leads to over activity of the Thyroid Gland It is most common in women over the age of 20, but can occur at any age and even in men. It is most common in women over the age of 20, but can occur at any age and even in men. Graves' disease owes its name to the Irish doctor Robert James Graves, who described a case of goitre with exophthalmos in 1835 Graves' disease owes its name to the Irish doctor Robert James Graves, who described a case of goitre with exophthalmos in 1835Robert James GravesRobert James Graves

Etiology (causes) Caused by an abnormal immune system response that causes the Thyroid Gland to produce to much Thyroid Hormones (Hyperthyroidism) Caused by an abnormal immune system response that causes the Thyroid Gland to produce to much Thyroid Hormones (Hyperthyroidism)

Symptoms/Signs Anxiety Anxiety Breast Enlargement (men) Breast Enlargement (men) Difficulty concentrating Difficulty concentrating Double Vision Double Vision Exophthalmos Exophthalmos (Bulging of the eyes) Fatigue Fatigue Insomnia Insomnia Muscle weakness Muscle weakness Tremor of the hands Tremor of the hands Weight Loss Weight Loss

Diagnostic Procedures/Tests/Exams Physical Exams – Increased Heart Rate Physical Exams – Increased Heart Rate Exam of the neck – To check the Thyroid gland is enlarged Exam of the neck – To check the Thyroid gland is enlarged Many…Many blood tests – To test for high amounts of Tetraiodothyrinine (T-4) and Triiodothyronine (T-3) Many…Many blood tests – To test for high amounts of Tetraiodothyrinine (T-4) and Triiodothyronine (T-3) Radioactive Iodine Uptake - determine the rate at which your thyroid gland takes up iodine Radioactive Iodine Uptake - determine the rate at which your thyroid gland takes up iodine

Treatment No actual treatment, but to lessen the symptoms….. No actual treatment, but to lessen the symptoms….. Beta – Blockers such as Propranolol are often used to treat symptoms of rapid heart rate, sweating, and anxiety. Beta – Blockers such as Propranolol are often used to treat symptoms of rapid heart rate, sweating, and anxiety. Anti-Thyroid Meds, Radioactive Iodine, and/or surgery can control Hyperthyroidism. Anti-Thyroid Meds, Radioactive Iodine, and/or surgery can control Hyperthyroidism.

Prognosis Only good out come is that it often responds to treatment Only good out come is that it often responds to treatment Bad out comes are…. Bad out comes are…. Can have heart problems - rapid heart rate, congestive heart failure Can have heart problems - rapid heart rate, congestive heart failure Brittle Bones Brittle Bones Thyrotoxic crisis - a sudden intensification of your signs and symptoms, leading to a fever, a rapid pulse and even delirium Thyrotoxic crisis - a sudden intensification of your signs and symptoms, leading to a fever, a rapid pulse and even delirium

Prevention There is no known prevention for Grave’s Disease There is no known prevention for Grave’s Disease

Sorces