Download Graves Disease

Graves Disease
Taylor Dobbs
Graves Disease



The most common form of hyperthyroidism
When the immune system mistakenly attacks your
thyroid gland and causes it to overproduce thyroxine
Usually develops in women after the age of 20
Causes


Autoimmune disorder
There is no way to stop your immune system from
attacking your thyroid
Signs and Symptoms

Anxiety

Mood swings

Difficulty concentrating
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Occasional mental impairment
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Double vision
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Expothalmos (eyes)
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Eye irritations/watering/sensitivity to light
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Fatigue
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Frequent bowel movements
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Groiter
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Heat intolerance/frequent sweating
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Increased appetite
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Insomnia
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Tiredness

Irregular menstral cycle
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Muscle weakness

Muscle cramps
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Nervousness
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rapid/irregular heart rate (palpitations)
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Shortness of breath
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Tremors
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Weight loss/or gain
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Hair loss
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Chronic sinus infections
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Brittle nails
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Oily skin
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Upset stomach due to increased calcium
levels
Groiter
When the thyroid gland
appears to be large, and
a visibly swollen or
large neck is seen.
Expothalmos
When eyes appear to be
bulging or “buggy”
-In some cases this is
severe
Diagnosis

Examination of neck for groiter

Blood tests

TSH, T3, free T4
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Ultrasound

Radioactive iodine uptake
TSH, T3, and free T4
TSH: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (thyrotropin);
regulates the function of the Thyroid Gland
–
0.3-3.0
T3: Triiodothyronine; affects almost every
physiological proccess in the body. Ie: growth and
development, metabolism, temperature, heart rate
–
70-180
Free T4: determines how the thyroid is functioning
–
.8-1.5
Treatment

Anithyroid medications

Methimazole, propylthiouracil

Radioactive treatments

Surgery

Heart medication

atenonol
Prognosis
-Patients with Graves Diseases can usually go into
remission with the proper dosages and blood work
done frequently.
-Surgery for the removal of the thyroid gland is an
option.
-If left untreated, Graves Disease can be fatal.
Prevention
-No way to prevent Graves
-Some symptoms may be prevented with proper diet,
exercise, and health care