Huntington's disease
Glossary of Health - Einstein
ICD 10 - G10
- Disease
What is Huntington's Disease?
Huntington's disease is a rare, hereditary, and neurodegenerative condition in which nerve cells in the brain degenerate over time. It is caused by a mutation in a specific gene.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Huntington's disease are diverse. They include: Coordination difficulties, involuntary movements, psychiatric disorders and cognitive problems. Symptoms tend to worsen over time.
Causes
Huntington's disease is caused by a mutation in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. This mutation is passed from parents to children.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Huntington's disease is suspected based on clinical evaluation of symptoms. Neurological and genetic tests can be used to confirm the condition.
Prevention Method
There is no way to prevent Huntington's disease. However, genetic testing can be performed to anticipate a diagnosis, which helps manage symptoms more effectively.
Treatment
Huntington's disease has no cure. Medications, physical therapy, and psychotherapy may be recommended by healthcare professionals to help control some symptoms. In certain cases, occupational therapy is necessary as the disease progresses.
Duration
Huntington's disease has no cure. From the time of diagnosis, the person will live with it for the rest of their life.
Is it contagious?
No. Huntington's disease is hereditary and only develops if one of the parents passes the gene to the child.
Can it be contracted more than once?
Huntington's is a genetic disease and accompanies the person throughout their life.