Episode 99: Graves’ Disease | Hyperthyroidism & Thyrotoxicosis

The complex symptomatology of hormonal diseases only started to be recognised in the 19th century as we learned about anatomy and physiology. When Doctor Robert Graves began piecing the hyperthyroid puzzle together when he saw patients with similar symptoms such as anxiousness, nervousness, aggitation, bulging eyes, and rapid/irregular heart rate. He realised this was a previously unknown condition to the medical field.

It would not be until the mid-20th century before we had a full understanding of the thyroid and thyroid diseases. Today, we have tests to diagnose and medications to manage. Graves’ disease accounts for 70-80% of all cases of hyperthyroidism.

This is the story of Graves’ Disease.

Our Guests:

Dr Liam Mulcahy who is studying physicians training with a strong interest in neurology. He was written a book called Beyond the White Coat: The Faces Behind Medical Eponyms.

Professor Duncan Topliss who is a senior endocrinologist at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne and Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine, Monash University.

Listen:

This Medical Life podcast is available on all podcasting services and Spotify. Help support us on our donation page.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.