HUNTINGTON / UNDERSTANDING THE CONDITION
Huntington. Knowledge for a personal journey.
Clear information about Huntington’s disease, from the first description to the questions families ask today.
What is Huntington’s disease?
Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited, progressive condition that affects nerve cells in the brain. It can change movement, thinking, behavior and emotional wellbeing. Symptoms often begin in adulthood, but earlier and later onset can occur.
The condition affects people differently. Understanding it involves more than recognizing symptoms: it also means considering everyday life, relationships, communication and family support.
Recognizing signs and symptoms
Movement
Involuntary movements called chorea, balance changes, stiffness or difficulty with speech and swallowing.
Thinking
Changes in concentration, organization, planning and decision-making.
Emotional wellbeing
Changes in mood or behavior, including irritability, depression or anxiety.
These changes can have other causes. A qualified clinician considers history, examination and appropriate tests before making a diagnosis.
Genetics, family history and diagnosis
HD is associated with an expanded CAG repeat in the HTT gene. When a parent carries a disease-causing variant, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. The implications of a test depend on the result and the individual’s circumstances.
Genetic counseling is important before predictive testing. A neurological assessment and, when appropriate, genetic testing help establish the diagnosis. You do not need to share genetic results in this website’s forms.
A history of discovery
A defining description
George Huntington publishes “On Chorea,” describing the hereditary pattern and clinical features of the disease.
A voice for families
Marjorie Guthrie establishes the organization that would become the Huntington’s Disease Society of America.
Mapping a genetic marker
Researchers locate a marker linked to the condition on chromosome 4, with contributions from affected families.
Identifying the gene
An international collaboration identifies the gene now known as HTT and the expanded CAG repeat.
Huntington — Personal
There is currently no established cure that stops or reverses Huntington’s disease. Care focuses on symptoms, function, emotional wellbeing and individual goals. Neurologists, genetic counselors and rehabilitation and mental health professionals may all contribute.
Our Huntington service begins with a personal scheduling inquiry. The office must confirm the clinician’s relevant expertise, your location and whether an appointment is appropriate. Neurosurgery is not a routine cure for HD, and a neurosurgical qualification alone does not establish expertise in its management.
PersonalA clearer understanding, from trusted sources.
Explore educational material from the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. External resources are independent of this website.
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Questions, with room for answers.
Is Huntington’s disease inherited?
Yes. HD is associated with a variant in the HTT gene. Genetic counseling helps explain personal and family implications.
Does a video appointment replace an in-person examination?
Not always. Some assessments require an in-person examination. Clinical suitability and the clinician’s authorization where you are physically located must be confirmed.
Can I ask about Huntington without a diagnosis?
You can submit a scheduling question. The office will clarify whether an appointment or referral is appropriate; the website cannot assess your genetic risk or diagnose you.
Is Dr Huntington the physician who discovered the condition?
No. George Huntington published his historical description in 1872. Dr Huntington is the website brand for Mitchell Hassam.
Are medications sold on this website?
No. This website provides educational content and appointment requests. It does not sell medications or medical products.
Sources & further reading
NIH / NINDS — Huntington’s DiseaseMedlinePlus Genetics — Huntington’s diseaseHDSA — History of Huntington’s diseasePrepared by the Dr Huntington editorial team. Medical review pending. Editorial standards
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