Huntington's Flashcards
What is Huntington’s, how does it arise?
Huntington’s chorea is an autosomal dominant genetic condition that causes a progressive deterioration in the nervous system. Patients are usually asymptomatic until symptoms begin around aged 30 to 50.
Huntington’s chorea is a “trinucleotide repeat disorder” that involves a genetic mutation in the HTT gene on chromosome 4.
Presentation
Huntington’s chorea usually presents with an insidious, progressive worsening of symptoms. It typically begins with cognitive, psychiatric or mood problems. These are followed by the development of movement disorders.
Chorea (involuntary, abnormal movements)
Eye movement disorders
Speech difficulties (dysarthria)
Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
Management
There are currently no treatment options for slowing or stopping the progression of the disease.
The key to management of the condition is supporting the person and their family.
Effectively breaking bad news
Involvement of MDT in supporting and maintaining their quality of life (e.g. occupational therapy, physiotherapy and psychology)
Speech and language therapy where there are speech and swallowing difficulties
Genetic counselling regarding relatives, pregnancy and children
Advanced directives to document the patients wishes as the disease progresses
End of life care planning
Medical treatment is based on symptomatic relief. As the disease progresses medication requirements may change. It is important to discontinue unnecessary medication to minimise adverse effects.
Medications that can suppress the disordered movement:
Antipsychotics (e.g. olanzapine)
Benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam)
Dopamine-depleting agents (e.g. tetrabenazine)
Depression can be treated with antidepressants.
Prognosis
Huntington’s chorea is a progressive condition. Life expectance is around 15-20 years after the onset of symptoms. As the disease progresses patients become more susceptible and less able to fight off illnesses. Death is often due to respiratory disease (e.g. pneumonia). Suicide is a more common cause of death than in the general population.
