Huntington’s Chorea Disease – The Healing Space Clinic

Huntington's Chorea Disease

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Huntington's chorea is an inherited disease characterized by dementia and spasmodic muscle movement. It has a gradual onset and slow progression. Symptoms usually do not develop until after 30 years of age. By the time the disease is diagnosed, the patient has usually had children and passed the disease to another generation.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Spasmodic, involuntary movement of the limb and facial muscles
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty speaking
Impaired memory, judgment
Intellectual decline
Emotional disturbances, mood swings
Depression, anxiety, mania
Delusions
Agitation, aggression
Urinary incontinence
Bowel incontinence
Weight loss
Difficulty walking
Unsteadiness
Hyperkinesia
Abnormal eye movements
Facial twitching
Apathy, withdrawal
Dementia
Rigidity
Mania
Hallucinations
Delusions
Paranoia
Impulsiveness

CAUSES

Hereditary genetic defect

RISK FACTORS

Family history

DIAGNOSIS

WHAT THE DOCTOR LOOKS FOR

The doctor will perform a physical examination to identify the signs and symptoms of Huntington's chorea.
The doctor may take a detailed family medical history.

TESTS AND PROCEDURES

Blood tests
Genetic tests
Special imaging procedures may be used to assist in diagnosis, including computed tomography (CT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET).

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Huntington's chorea is managed in the outpatient setting.
Genetic counseling should be considered.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for drug-resistant depression may be considered.
Speech and occupational therapy may be of benefit.

ACTIVITY

Full activity as long as possible

DIET

No special diet, but soft diet with liquid supplements may be needed.

FOLLOW UP

PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE

Genetic counseling

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Haloperidol (Haldol)

WHAT TO EXPECT

The outcome is poor; disease leads to progressive impairment and is fatal within 20 years.

MISCELLANEOUS

PREGNANCY

Usually does not occur until after puberty

OTHER NOTES

N/A

Clinical Investigations

ROLE OF HOMOEOPATHY

Holistic healing that treats the person, not just the disease. Experience gentle, lasting wellness with expert constitutional care.