Huntington's disease is an inherited condition, characterized by chorea and dementia. There is a 50 percent chance that if you carry the Huntington's disease gene it will be passed to your offspring. When there is no family history, Huntington's disease is rare.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin between the ages of 30 and 50. Abnormal jerking movements of the limbs and facial muscles as well as intellectual behavioral changes are common.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Huntington's disease is usually made by a neurological evaluation and genetic testing.
Treatment
While medications can control some of the symptoms of Huntington's disease, the disease is progressive and cannot be halted. Currently, there is no cure for Huntington's disease.
Prognosis
The prognosis of Huntington's disease is grim. From the onset of symptoms, Huntington's disease carries a 15- to 20-year lifespan.
Complications
Heart attack and pneumonia are the two most common causes of death in those with Huntington's disease. Other complications include respiratory failure, gastrointestinal problems and suicide.
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