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Endocrine glands Thyroid enlargement - scintiscan Graves' disease Thyroid gland
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Graves’ disease
Alternative Names: Diffuse thyrotoxic goiter Treatment: The purpose of treatment is to control the overactivity of the thyroid gland. Beta-blockers such as propranolol are often used to treat symptoms of rapid heart rate, sweating, and anxiety until the hyperthyroidism is controlled. Hyperthyroidism is treated with antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine or surgery. Text Continues Below Both radiation and surgery result in the need for lifelong use of replacement thyroid hormones, because these treatments destroy or remove the gland. The eye problems related to Graves' disease usually resolve when the hyperthyroidism is effectively treated with medications, radiation or surgery. Sometimes use of prednisone (a steroid medication which suppresses the immune system) is required to reduce eye irritation and swelling. Taping the eyes closed at night to prevent drying may sometimes be required. Sunglasses and eyedrops may lessen irritation of the eyes. Rarely, surgery may be needed to return the eyes to their normal position. Expectations (prognosis): For most people, Graves' disease responds well to treatment. However, thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine will sometimes cause hypothyroidism, which can lead to weight gain, depression and mental and physical sluggishness. Antithyroid medications can also have serious side effects. Complications: Eye problems associated with the disease (called Graves' ophthalmopathy or exophthalmos) Cardiac complications including rapid heart rate, congestive heart failure (especially in the elderly) and atrial fibrillation Thyroid crisis or storm, a severe worsening of the symptoms of overactivity of the thyroid gland Increased risk for osteoporosis Inadequate levels of thyroid hormone medications following surgery or radiation, leading to fatigue, elevated cholesterol levels, mild weight gain, depression and mental and physical sluggishness Complications related to surgery, including visible scarring of the neck and hoarseness due to damage of the nerve to the voicebox, and low calcium levels due to damage to the parathyroid glands. Calling your health care provider: Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>