Huntington

Huntington's Disease

Huntington's Disease (pronounced: /ˈhʌntɪŋtənz/), also known as HD or Huntington's chorea, is a genetic disorder that results in the death of brain cells. The earliest symptoms are often subtle problems with mood or mental abilities. A general lack of coordination and an unsteady gait often follow. As the disease advances, uncoordinated, jerky body movements become more apparent.

Etymology

The disease is named after George Huntington, an American physician who first described the condition in 1872. The term "chorea" comes from the Greek word "χορεία" (khoros), which means "dance" and refers to the involuntary movements that are a hallmark of the disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Huntington's disease can begin at any age, but they often start in a person's 30s or 40s. Early signs and symptoms can include irritability, depression, small involuntary movements, poor coordination, and trouble learning new information or making decisions. As the disease progresses, these symptoms become more severe.

Causes

Huntington's disease is caused by an inherited defect in a single gene. It is an autosomal dominant disorder, which means that a person needs only one copy of the defective gene to develop the disorder.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for Huntington's disease, and the disease progresses over time. However, treatment can help manage symptoms. Medications are available to help manage the movement problems and psychiatric symptoms associated with the disease.

Related Terms

• Genetic disorder
• Brain cells
• George Huntington
• Gene
• Autosomal dominant

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Huntington
• Wikipedia's article - Huntington

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