Test 3 Huntington Disease (CNS, Brain)

Question 1

What is the pathophysiology of Huntington Disease?

Answer 1

• Hereditary disorder
• Autosomal dominant
• Decrease in the GABA (inhibitory transmitter in the basal ganglia
• Increase in glutamate

Question 2

When does Huntington begin?

What are the stages?

Answer 2

Begins at age 30 to 50 years

Stage 1: onset
Stage 2: increasing dependence on others
Stage 3: loss of independent function

Question 3

What are the physical assessment findings with Huntington Disease?

Answer 3

Huntington Disease: Physical assessment

• Progressive mental status changes
• Choreiform movements (Brisk, jerky, purposeless movements)

Question 4

What is the drug therapy for Huntington Disease?

Answer 4

Huntington Disease: Drug therapy

Tetrabenazine
**Only to treat the choreiform movements, not a cure

Question 5

What is a health teaching for Huntington Disease?

Answer 5

-Provide psychosocial support resources