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Huntington’s disease
We provide comprehensive treatment plans for managing the symptoms of Huntington’s disease, helping patients maintain quality of life. Schedule a consultation today for personalized care and support.
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Understanding Huntington’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment


Huntington’s disease is a rare, inherited disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, affecting movement, cognition, and mental health. The condition is caused by a genetic mutation and typically begins to show symptoms between the ages of 30 and 50. At Florida Neurology, we provide expert care for individuals with Huntington’s disease, offering comprehensive treatment plans to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.


What Causes Huntington’s Disease?

Huntington’s disease is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, which provides instructions for making a protein called huntingtin. This mutation leads to the production of an abnormally long version of the protein, which builds up and causes damage to neurons in the brain, particularly those involved in movement and cognitive functions. Because Huntington’s is a genetic disorder, a child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the disease.


Common Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease

The symptoms of Huntington’s disease typically progress over time and fall into three major categories: motor, cognitive, and psychiatric. These symptoms vary from person to person but generally include:


  • Movement disorders: Involuntary jerking or writhing movements (chorea), muscle rigidity, slow or abnormal eye movements, difficulty with speech, and problems with swallowing.
  • Cognitive decline: Difficulty with memory, decision-making, multitasking, and concentration. As the disease progresses, cognitive abilities may become severely impaired.
  • Psychiatric symptoms: Depression, anxiety, irritability, social withdrawal, and in some cases, obsessive-compulsive behaviors or mood swings.

How is Huntington’s Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosing Huntington’s disease involves a combination of genetic testing, clinical evaluations, and family history assessments. At Florida Neurology, we use a variety of tools to confirm a diagnosis:

  • Genetic testing: A blood test can confirm the presence of the abnormal HTT gene mutation, which is definitive for diagnosing Huntington’s disease.
  • Neurological examination: A physical exam evaluates motor symptoms, reflexes, and coordination.
  • Cognitive and psychiatric evaluation: Assessments to measure memory, reasoning, and emotional stability may be used to determine the impact of the disease on cognitive and mental health functions.

Treatment Options for Huntington’s Disease

While there is no cure for Huntington’s disease, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving the patient’s quality of life. Treatment options at Florida Neurology include:

  • Medications: Drugs like tetrabenazine and antipsychotics can help control involuntary movements and treat psychiatric symptoms such as depression or irritability.
  • Physical therapy: Exercise and movement therapy help maintain mobility and improve coordination, balance, and strength.
  • Speech therapy: To address communication difficulties, speech therapy can assist patients in maintaining the ability to speak and swallow.
  • Occupational therapy: Helps patients adapt to everyday activities and maintain independence for as long as possible.
  • Counseling and support: Emotional and psychological support for both patients and families is critical for managing the mental health aspects of Huntington’s disease.

Living with Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease can significantly impact both the patient and their loved ones, as the condition affects every aspect of life. At Florida Neurology, we provide ongoing care, monitoring the progression of symptoms and adjusting treatment plans as needed. Our team also offers support and resources for caregivers to help them manage the challenges of caring for someone with Huntington’s disease.


Why Choose Florida Neurology for Huntington’s Disease Care?

At Florida Neurology, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, specialized care for individuals with Huntington’s disease. Our expert team works closely with patients and their families to develop personalized treatment plans aimed at managing symptoms and improving quality of life. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of Huntington’s disease, contact us to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options.

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FAQs

  • What is the difference between a migraine and a tension headache?

    Migraines are severe headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound, typically affecting one side of the head. Tension headaches cause a dull, aching pain around the forehead or back of the neck and head without the additional symptoms of migraines.

  • How is Alzheimer's disease diagnosed at Florida Neurology?

    Alzheimer's is diagnosed using a combination of cognitive assessments, brain imaging (such as MRI or CT scans), blood tests to rule out other conditions, and a neurological exam to assess brain function and symptoms.

  • What treatment options are available for stroke patients at your Stroke Clinic?

    Treatment options include thrombolytic medications (to dissolve clots), endovascular procedures (to remove clots or repair ruptured vessels), blood-thinning medications, and rehabilitation therapy to help patients regain mobility, strength, and cognitive abilities.

  • What are the early signs of cognitive and memory disorders, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease?

    Early signs include memory loss, confusion, difficulty with problem-solving, changes in behavior, trouble with language, and disorientation in familiar settings or with time.

  • What causes vertigo, and how is it treated?

    Vertigo can be caused by inner ear issues, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, or vestibular neuritis. Treatment often includes vestibular rehabilitation exercises, medications to reduce dizziness, and in some cases, procedures to reposition inner ear particles.

  • How can I manage chronic migraines?

    Chronic migraines can be managed with prescription medications like triptans, Botox injections, lifestyle changes (avoiding triggers, improving sleep), stress management techniques, and preventive medications to reduce frequency.

  • What is the process for diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

    MS is diagnosed through a neurological exam, MRI to detect lesions in the brain and spinal cord, lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to check for abnormal immune activity in the cerebrospinal fluid, and evoked potentials to measure nerve function.

  • What types of headaches do you treat at the Headache & Migraine Clinic?

    The clinic treats various types of headaches, including migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches, and chronic daily headaches caused by medication overuse or other factors.

  • What therapies are offered for patients recovering from a stroke?

    Stroke recovery includes physical, occupational, and speech therapy to improve strength, coordination, communication, and daily functioning. Medications and lifestyle changes are also incorporated into long-term recovery plans.

  • How is Bell’s palsy treated, and how long does recovery take?

    Treatment for Bell’s palsy often includes corticosteroids to reduce nerve inflammation, antiviral medications if a viral infection is suspected, physical therapy to restore muscle function, and eye protection to prevent damage. Most people recover fully within a few weeks to months.

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