Graves' Disease
Graves' Disease
Graves' Disease (pronounced: /ɡreɪvz/), also known as Basedow's disease, is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid. The disease was named after Sir Robert Graves, an Irish doctor who first described the condition in 1835.
Etymology
The term "Graves' Disease" is derived from the name of the Irish doctor, Sir Robert Graves. The alternative name, "Basedow's disease", is named after the German physician Karl Adolph von Basedow, who independently reported the same condition in 1840.
Definition
Graves' Disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, and it occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much thyroid hormone.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Graves' Disease can include insomnia, hand tremors, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), weight loss, muscle weakness, and a condition known as Graves' ophthalmopathy, which can cause bulging eyes, double vision, and light sensitivity.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Graves' Disease typically involves a physical examination, blood tests to measure levels of thyroid hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and a radioactive iodine uptake test to measure how much iodine the thyroid gland collects.
Treatment
Treatment options for Graves' Disease include anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, and thyroid surgery (thyroidectomy). The choice of treatment depends on the patient's age, overall health, the severity of the disease, and the patient's personal preference.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Graves' Disease
- Wikipedia's article - Graves' Disease
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