Graves Disease: A Case Study

Graves’ disease is a disorder of the immune system that causes the thyroid gland to become hyperactive. Since this is an autoimmune disorder, the body’s immune system inadvertently attacks its own cell rather than protecting the body from external pathogens. This condition causes the body’s immune system to make abnormal chemicals called immunoglobulins that stimulate the thyroid gland to make an excessive amount of thyroid hormone. This overactive thyroid condition is called hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease 2013). Graves’ disease has numerous symptoms which includes nervousness, insomnia, sweating, tremor, heart palpitations, weight loss, hot flashes, fatigue, muscle weakness, and shortness of breath (Graves’ disease, 2013). During the physical examination, the doctor will check the thyroid to feel for any abnormal lumps or enlargement, check for abnormal blood flow near the thyroid gland, measure heart rate, reflexes, tremor of hands, and examine eyes for bulging. In addition to the physical examine, lab work is done to determine whether the thyroid is producing and releasing too much hormone.

There are three possible treatments to slow down the production of thyroid hormone: antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine, and surgery (Schub & Boling, 2015). According to Bartalena, (2013), Graves’ disease is most often treated with the anti-thyroid drug methimazole, which prevents the production of thyroid hormones. For patients that are not able to take methimazole, due to pregnancy or intolerance, may take another drug called propylthiouracil. The doctor will monitor the levels of hormone production, but once the levels have reach normalcy, the patient may continue to take a daily regimen of anti-thyroid medication or choose to radioactive iodine treatment (p.