Recovery & Support for Graves’ Disease in Children

Endocrinologists and other specialists at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone offer ongoing support to children and adolescents, and their families, after treatment for Graves’ disease. This autoimmune condition causes hyperthyroidism, also known as an overactive thyroid.

Our doctors perform annual follow-up visits to monitor thyroid hormone levels and ensure that your child is growing at a typical rate. Families can also receive education and information about wellness services, such as creative arts therapies and recreation therapy. These child and family support services and resilience programs are provided by Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care.

Eye Health

In some people, Graves’ disease can cause eye irritation, light sensitivity, and slight bulging of the eyes. If your child’s eyes are affected by Graves’ disease, our doctors can refer you to an ophthalmologist for evaluation and treatment. Ophthalmologists may prescribe short-term corticosteroid medications to reduce pressure in the eye, as well as over-the-counter eyedrops to reduce irritation.

Heart Monitoring

Our cardiologists may be involved in your child’s care if Graves’ disease causes an arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. Our cardiologists use sophisticated tests to evaluate your child’s heart before, during, and after treatment with beta blockers or other medications that help adjust heart rhythm.

Nutritional Support

Because Graves’ disease causes metabolism to speed up, many children with the condition have difficulty maintaining a typical weight for their age and height, which can interfere with growth. Our registered dietitians work with your child to ensure that he or she receives enough calories to fuel growth and development during treatment for Graves’ disease.