D2I2.
genetic

Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease (HD), also known as Huntington's chorea, is a fatal disease that is usually inherited. It typically presents as a triad of progressive , , and motor symptoms. The earliest symptoms are often subtle problems with mood or mental/psychiatric abilities, which precede the motor symptoms for many people. The definitive physical symptoms, including a general lack of coordination and an unsteady gait, eventually follow. Over time, the basal ganglia region of the brain gradually becomes damaged.

Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.

Symptoms — what it feels like

  • ·Problems with motor skills including coordination and gait, mood, and mental abilities

Causes — why it happens

  • · (inherited or new )

How it's found

  • · testing

Treatment

  • ·Supportive care

Complications

  • ·, heart disease, physical injury from falls, suicide

Outlook

  • ·1520 years from onset of symptoms, invariably fatal
Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.