Huntington’s Disease
Types, Costs, Procedure, Benefits and Risks
Huntington’s disease is a rare and progressive disorder that is typically seen in people in their 30s or 40s. In contrast, juvenile Huntington’s disease is even less common and occurs in people under the age of twenty.
Children who have a parent with a mutated gene inherit this disorder. A child has a 50% chance of having Huntington’s disease if one of the parents has a defective HTT gene.
Causes
The HTT gene carries information that is used to make huntingtin, a protein that helps neurons function. Consequently, this gene is altered in HD, resulting in abnormal protein synthesis that harms or kills neurons in the brain, destroying nerve cells in specific brain regions responsible for movement and cognition.
- Jerky or twitchy movements
- Memory issues
- Walking challenges
- Tremors
- Decision-making impairment
- Disturbed thinking & reasoning ability
- Inability to concentrate
- Improper balance
- Speech disturbances
- Difficulty swallowing.
The initial sign of Huntington’s disease is chorea, which is characterized by uncontrollable movements of the hands, fingers, and facial muscles. Occasionally, these jerky movements may be noticed in the arms and legs.
Appointment
Second Opinion
WhatsApp
Call
More
