What it means
Named after Robert Graves, an Irish physician. It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidismhy-per-THY-roy-diz-umA condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.hyper- above, overthyr/o thyroid gland-ism conditionFull entry . Antibodies act like thyroid-stimulating hormone, so the gland grows (goiter) and makes too much thyroid hormone. Some people also have bulging eyes. Treatment is antithyroid drugs (methimazole, propylthiouracil), radioactive iodine or surgery.
For the nurse
After thyroid surgery, watch for bleeding, airway problems and low calcium (tingling around the mouth, muscle twitching).
At a glance
| Spanish | enfermedad de Graves |
|---|---|
| Also written | Graves' disease, Grave's disease |
Related terms
hyperthyroidism
A condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.
thyr/o
A word part that means the thyroid gland.
autoimmune
Describing a reaction in which the immune system attacks the body's own healthy cells and tissues.
thyroid hormone
A hormone made by the thyroid gland that controls how fast the body uses energy.