Huntington's disease

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice Tests and diagnosis

Complications Treatments and drugs Prevention Lifestyle and home remedies Coping and support

Definition

Huntington's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that causes certain nerve cells in your brain to waste away. As a result, you may experience uncontrolled movements, emotional disturbances and mental deterioration.

Huntington's disease is an inherited disease. Signs and symptoms usually develop in middle age. Younger people with Huntington's disease often have a more severe case, and their symptoms may progress more quickly. Rarely, children may develop this condition.

Also called Huntington's chorea, Huntington's disease was documented in 1872 by American physician George Huntington. The name "chorea" comes from the Greek word for "dance" and refers to the incessant quick, jerky, involuntary movements that are characteristic of this condition.

Medications are available to help manage the signs and symptoms of Huntington's disease, but treatments can't prevent the physical and mental decline associated with the condition.

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Symptoms