Disease Seminar : Grave's Disease

Question 1

Where is the Thyroid Gland located?

Answer 1

In the neck, below the larynx, has a medial section that is flanked by 2 lobes on each side of the trachea

Question 2

What is the function of the Thyroid Gland?

Answer 2

Produces 2 hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism

Question 3

What hormones does the Thyroid Gland produce?

Answer 3

Triiodothyronine (T3)

Thyroxine (T4)

Question 4

What occurs when the thyroid produces TOO MUCH hormone?

Answer 4

Hyperthyroidism

Question 5

What occurs when the thyroid produces TOO LITTLE hormone?

Answer 5

Hypothyroidism

Question 6

What are potential symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

Answer 6

Increased sweating
Weight loss
Enlarged thyroid gland
Irregular / Rapid heartbeat

Question 7

What is the enlargement of the thyroid gland called?

Answer 7

Goitre

Question 8

What treatment is prescribed for Grave’s disease?

Answer 8

Anti Thyroid medication to prevent the thyroid gland from producing excess hormones or radio iodine therapy that destroys overactive thyroid cells

Question 9

What are 6 potential symptoms of Graves ophthalmopathy?

Answer 9

Upper eyelid retraction
Double vision or diplopia
Proptosis

Question 10

What is the bulging of the eye that is in an anterior direction ; referred to as proptosis?

Answer 10

Exopthalmos

Question 11

What treatments may be considered for optic nerve compression that is sign threatening?

Answer 11

Immunosuppressant therapy with systemic steroids using intravenous deliver
Surgical decompression of the orbit is also a possible treatment option