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Huntington’s disease – Symptoms, causes, and management

Huntington’s disease – Symptoms, causes, and management

In the realm of neurological disorders, Huntington’s Disease (HD) stands as a formidable adversary, relentlessly encroaching upon the lives of those afflicted. HD is a hereditary, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impairs both motor and cognitive functions, leading to a profound deterioration in an individual’s quality of life. With a genetic underpinning involving the expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeats, HD presents a complex clinical picture characterized by a range of motor symptoms, cognitive impairments, and psychiatric manifestations.

Motor symptoms

  • Chorea
    One of the hallmark symptoms of Huntington’s Disease is chorea, characterized by involuntary, jerky, and unpredictable movements of the limbs, face, and other body parts. These movements can be mild or severe and often interfere with activities of daily living.
  • Dystonia
    Individuals with HD may experience muscle contractions and abnormal postures known as dystonia. This symptom can lead to sustained muscle contractions, causing discomfort and difficulty maintaining a normal posture.
  • Bradykinesia
    As the disease progresses, individuals may develop bradykinesia, a slowness of voluntary movements. This can affect one’s ability to initiate and complete tasks.
  • Impaired coordination
    Huntington’s disease often leads to impaired coordination and balance. Individuals may have difficulty walking and may become prone to falls.
  • Difficulty swallowing
    Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common symptom in advanced stages of HD.

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