Huntington’s disease, which causes gradual brain decay, is extremely rare, only affecting around 15,000 individuals in the U.S. The disease occurs when neurons in certain areas of your brain begin to degenerate (or break down), leading to an array of physical and mental impairments. Speak with a Bayhealth expert about Huntington’s disease.
Signs and Symptoms
While symptoms of Huntington’s disease can occur at any age, they commonly develop between ages 30 and 50. Exact symptoms (and how intense they are) differ from patient to patient, although most individuals affected by Huntington’s disease experience some combination of physical, cognitive and emotional issues.
Physical Symptoms
Physical impairments include “chorea,” which is characterized as spontaneous and uncontrollable movements such as jerking and twitching. Other physical symptoms include slowed movements, rigidity and tremors. Because of these symptoms, Huntington’s disease contributes to issues carrying out routine activities, including driving and exercising.
Cognitive Symptoms
Huntington’s disease can affect your mind and emotions in the following ways.
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Memory loss
- Hallucinations
- Disorientation
- Speech impairment
- Decision-making impairment
Symptoms of Huntington’s disease may develop more aggressively in juvenile cases, which account for around 5% of all cases. Speak with a neurology expert at Bayhealth.
Risk Factors
Although Huntington’s disease can develop in anyone, it most commonly occurs in individuals whose family has a history of the condition. Parents living with the genetic mutation that causes Huntington’s disease have a 50% chance of passing it onto their children.
How We Diagnose Huntington’s Disease
We use the following procedures to diagnose Huntington’s disease.
- Blood Work: A blood test may reveal signs of Huntington’s disease as well as rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
- Genetic Testing: Our neurologists may take a sample of your blood and examine it for the genetic mutation that causes Huntington’s disease.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A combination of a magnetic field and radio waves creates three-dimensional images of specific areas of your head and body.
- Computerized Tomography (CT): Certified experts use computer-processed X-rays to generate a scan of your head and body in “slices” to create highly accurate images.
Treatment Options
Because there is no cure for Huntington’s disease, treatment approaches tend to focus on promoting your physical comfort and emotional health. Depending on several factors—including your age, medical history and identifiable symptoms—our neurology experts may prescribe the following medications and therapies to address your Huntington's disease.
- Physical Therapy: Physical or occupational therapy may help manage the movement issues caused by early- and middle-stage Huntington’s disease, such as rigidity.
- Speech Therapy: A speech therapist can help to manage some of the physical and cognitive complications that arise from Hutington’s disease, such as forming words.
- Drugs: Medications like haloperidol, tetrabenazine and amantadine can help to manage movement issues (chorea) caused by Huntington’s disease, as well as address issues regarding hallucinations and confusion. For depression caused by Huntington’s disease, our experts may prescribe antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.
Schedule an appointment to speak with a neurologist about Huntington’s disease, or learn more about neurological conditions treated at Bayhealth.