Symptoms
Symptoms are mild at first and are often barely noticeable, but usually worsen over 15-20 years.
Physical symptoms may include:
-
Abnormal body movements that worsen over time, including:
- Sudden jerks or uncontrolled movements of the limbs or trunk
- Facial grimacing
- Continuous need to turn head and shift gaze
- Walking that is unsteady or dance-like
- Difficulty with eating, dressing, sitting, and caring for oneself
- Difficulty swallowing
- Grunting or poor articulation of speech
- Weight Loss
Intellectual and emotional symptoms may include:
- Trouble with attention and awareness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Loss of memory
- Loss of judgment
- Loss of ability to think rationally
- Irritability and moodiness
- Depression (common)
- Anxiety
- Social withdrawal or antisocial behavior
- Irresponsible behavior
- Obsessive-compulsive behavior
- Personality changes
- Psychosis—a severe emotional and behavioral disorder that often interferes with a person's ability to relate to others and to function in daily life
- Paranoia—a mental disorder that involves feelings of being watched, followed, or harmed by others
- Hallucinations—the perception of a thing or person that is not present
Ultimately, HD can:
- Cause the loss of the physical and mental ability to care for oneself
- Cause severe disability, making full-time or nursing home care necessary
- Result in death, often due to a fall or pneumonia
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history (including family medical history), and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:
- CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the brain
- MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the brain
- PET scan —a test that uses radioactive isotopes (substances that are absorbed by certain areas of the brain) to assess brain function
CT Scan of the Head
There is a test that can determine if a person has inherited the gene for HD. This test may help to make the diagnosis of HD. It may also help to determine, before symptoms appear, if a person has inherited the HD gene. Genetic counseling is recommended before taking this test to review risks and benefits.