HUNTINGTON’S CHOREA

Overview and Facts

A rare genetic condition called Huntington’s chorea results in the gradual deterioration of brain nerve cells. The functional capacities of a person are significantly impacted by Huntington’s disease, which typically causes mobility, cognitive, and psychological issues.

Although signs of Huntington’s chorea can start to manifest at any age, they frequently do so in adults in their thirties and forties. Juvenile Huntington’s disease is the name given to the ailment if it appears before the age of 20. Early-stage of the disease has slightly distinct symptoms and may advance more quickly.

The symptoms can be managed with the aid of medications. The physical, emotional, and behavioral decline brought on by the illness, however, cannot be addressed by therapy.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

Movement, cognitive, and mental issues with a wide range of symptoms are typically caused by Huntington’s chorea. It substantially differs from person to person, which signs manifest initially. Throughout the illness, some symptoms may become more prominent or have a greater impact on functional ability.

Cognitive Issues

  • Lack of flexibility
  • Problems prioritizing, organizing, or concentrating on tasks
  • Issues in impulse control
  • Problems in learning information

Movement Issues

  • Muscle problems
    Involuntary jerking
  • Problems with swallowing or speech
  • Impaired balance, gait, and posture
  • Unusual or slow eye movements

Psychiatric Issues

  • Insomnia
  • Loss of energy 
  • Fatigue
  • Sadness, irritability
  • Frequent thoughts of suicide or death.

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

A general physical exam, an assessment of your health history, and neurological tests are the main factors used to make an initial diagnosis of the disease.

Neurological Testing

The neurologist will examine you and perform reasonably simple tests on your:

  • Sensory symptoms
  • Psychiatric symptoms
  • Motor symptoms

Psychiatric Assessment

  • Coping skills
  • Quality of judgment
  • Emotional state
  • Evidence of substance abuse
  • Patterns of behaviors
  • Signs of disordered thinking

Other testing includes:

  • brain scans and cognitive tests
  • testing and genetic counseling

TREATMENT

Huntington’s chorea cannot be cured by any therapy. However, some signs of psychiatric and movement problems may be lessened by medication. Additionally, for a limited period of time, numerous therapies can aid a person in adjusting to changes in their skills.

Depending on the general objectives of therapy, medications will probably vary as the disease progresses. Drugs that alleviate one set of symptoms could also have unintended side effects that make other symptoms worse.

Medications

Other therapies include:

  • Speech therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Psychotherapy
  • Physical therapy

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