General Information About Graves' Disease
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the condition where abnormal antibodies produced by the body's immune system continuously stimulate the thyroid gland in the neck, causing the gland to grow uncontrollably and secrete (excessive) thyroid hormone.
Toxic goiter (Hyperthyroidism) is a general condition where thyroid hormone is excessive. Graves' disease, on the other hand, is the most common underlying disease that causes this hyperthyroidism condition.
Rapid weight loss despite eating a lot, visible shaking (tremors) in the hands, intolerance to heat, continuous sweating, insomnia, severe palpitations, and nervousness.
The same antibodies produced by the immune system also attack the muscles and fat tissues behind the eye. The inflammation and swelling of these tissues push the eyeball forward, causing a startled (bulging) appearance (exophthalmos).
A blood test will show that the TSH hormone is suppressed, while T3 and T4 hormones are very high. A definitive diagnosis is made by detecting Graves-specific (TRAb) antibodies in the blood and via Thyroid Ultrasound/Scintigraphy.
Special antithyroid medications that stop hormone synthesis are started, and beta-blockers are added to lower the heart rate. In cases that do not respond to medication or recur, radioactive iodine (atomic therapy) or the complete surgical removal of the thyroid gland is preferred.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
