Huntington's Disease CAT Flashcards
1
Q
Huntington’s disease AKA
A
Huntington’s chorea
2
Q
What is Huntington’s disease?
A
- Neurological disorder of the CNS
- Characterized by degeneration and atrophy of the basal ganglia and cerebral cortex w/in the brain
3
Q
What structures are impacted w/ HD?
A
- Enlarged ventricles due to atrophy of basal ganglia
- Loss of small and medium neurons
- Decrease in quantity and activity of GABA and ACh neurons
4
Q
What happens as a result of lost GABA and ACh neurons?
A
- Dysfunction in inhibition
- Chorea
- Bradykinesia
- Rigidity
5
Q
Chorea
A
a movement disorder that causes sudden, unintended, and uncontrollable jerky movements of the arms, legs, and facial muscles
6
Q
Clinical presentation for HD
A
- Age 35-55
- Involuntary choreic movements
- Mild alteration in personality
- Unintentional facial expressions
7
Q
Progression of HD
A
- Ataxic gait
- Choreoathetoid movement
- Speech disturbances and mental deterioration
8
Q
Characteristics of late-stage HD
A
- Decreased IQ
- Dementia
- Depression
- Dysphagia
- Incontinence
- Inability to ambulate or transfer
- Progression from choreiform movements to rigidity
9
Q
Labs/imaging for HD
A
MRI or CT to monitor cerebral cortex and basal ganglia
10
Q
Goal of PT
A
- Maximize endurance, strength, balance, postural control, functional mobility
11
Q
Life expectancy w/ HD
A
15-20 years after clinical manifestation
