Huntington’s Disease at CNSI Movement Disorders Center

Huntington’s disease is a progressive disorder of the brain that causes nerve cells to deteriorate. The condition is hereditary, though symptoms may not appear until one is in their 30s or 40s.

What is Huntington’s disease?

Huntington’s disease is an inherited disease in which nerve cells in the brain break down. There is no cure, but treatment is available. The most common form, adult-onset Huntington’s disease, produces symptoms when the patients is in his or her 30s or 40s. Symptoms include involuntary movement, difficulty with balance, walking, talking, and swallowing.

Diagnosing Huntington’s disease

Family history is an important element in the diagnosis of Huntington’s disease. If one of a patient’s parents has the disease, he or she may have a 50 percent chance of developing it. Your physician may review your family and medical history and speak to you about the symptoms you’re experiencing. Your doctor may conduct a physical examination and order genetic testing, or medical imaging such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Treatment for Huntington’s disease

Medications may be effective treating the symptoms of Huntington’s disease. While treatment can’t slow the progress or cure the disease, they can lower the intensity and/or frequency of some symptoms. Physical and occupational therapy can also be helpful in managing the symptoms of the disease.

The providers at the Clinical Neuroscience Institute’s Movement Disorders Center are dedicated to finding the treatment option that fits your individual needs so you can remain as independent as much and for as long as possible.