Huntington's Disease

Huntington’s disease can cause involuntary movements—meaning movements you can’t control—and make it harder to move on purpose. One of the most common movement symptoms is chorea, which causes jerky, twisting motions in the arms, legs, face and tongue.

Over time, people with Huntington’s disease may also struggle with voluntary movements like walking, speaking or holding things steady. These changes can make everyday tasks more difficult and affect independence.

Other common movement symptoms include:

• Muscle stiffness or tightness
• Slow or unusual eye movements
• Trouble walking, staying balanced or keeping good posture
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing

Loss of voluntary movement can have a bigger impact than the involuntary ones. It can make it harder to work, take care of yourself or communicate clearly with others.

Diagnosing Huntington’s disease often starts with a detailed conversation about your personal and family history. Your doctor will ask if you’ve had any changes in movement, mood or thinking, and whether anyone in your family has been diagnosed with Huntington’s disease or had similar symptoms. Since Huntington’s is inherited, a family history can be an important clue.

After reviewing your history, your doctor will perform several types of exams to better understand how the disease may be affecting you. These include:

• Physical exam: This checks your overall health and looks for any signs of weight loss, muscle weakness or other physical issues that could be related to Huntington’s. Your doctor may also evaluate how well you move, how steady your gait is and whether you have any involuntary movements like twitching or jerking.
• Neurological exam: This focuses on how well your brain and nerves are working. Your doctor may:
  • Test your coordination, balance and reflexes
  • Check your muscle tone and strength
  • Observe your eye movements and facial expressions
  • Look for signs of chorea (uncontrolled movements) or rigidity
• Mental and behavioral health screening: Because Huntington’s disease affects more than just physical movement, your doctor will also check for changes in mood, behavior and thinking. They may:
  • Ask about depression, anxiety or irritability
  • Evaluate your memory, problem-solving skills and ability to focus
  • Talk to close family members to understand any changes in your behavior or emotional well-being

These evaluations help your care team determine whether your symptoms are likely caused by Huntington’s disease or another condition. In some cases, additional testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis.