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Graves' disease    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Diffuse thyrotoxic goiter

Treatment

The purpose of treatment is to control the overactivity of the thyroid gland. Beta-blockers (e.g., 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 to remove a portion of the thyroid gland.

The eye problems of Graves' disease usually resolve with treatment of the underlying disorder. Sometimes prednisone is required for severe inflammation. Taping the eyes closed at night to prevent drying is sometimes indicated. Sunglasses and eyedrops may lessen irritation of the eyes. Rarely, surgical decompression of the orbit may be required.

Prognosis

For most people, Graves' disease responds well to treatment, but lifelong observation by a health care professional is important because of possible serious complications associated with the disease. Thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine can result in hypothyroidism. Side effects may be caused by antithyroid medications.

Complications

• Eye problems associated with the disease (called Graves' ophthalmopathy or exophthalmos)
• Cardiac complications including rapid heart rate, congestive failure (especially in the elderly), and atrial fibrillation
• Thyroid crisis or "storm," a severe worsening or exaggeration of the symptoms of overactivity of the thyroid gland
• Increased risk for osteoporosis

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if eye problems, or general symptoms worsen (or do not improve) with treatment. You should also call if rapid heart rate, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or other new symptoms appear.

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