How Huntington's Disease Is Diagnosed

you’re free to have agenetic testto determine whether you carry the gene that causesHuntingtons disease.

You would also have a clinical diagnosis when you develop symptoms.

Having the gene means that you will eventually develop the condition.

Advancing Disease

If you have already been diagnosed with Huntingtons disease, your condition will likely decline.

This will include a detailed neurological and cognitive examination.

These scales measure and score your cognitive and physical abilities.

The advantages of using these types of scales include objectivity and consistency.

The definitive test for Huntingtons disease is a genetic test that examines yourDNA.

This is done with a blood sample.

This test can identify the presence of the genetic mutation (alteration) that causes Huntingtons disease.

The mutation is located on the HTT gene, which is found on chromosome four.

If you have the gene mutation, you will develop the disease.

And if you dont have the gene mutation, you will not develop the disease.

Imaging tests are not considered a predictor or an indicator of Huntingtons disease.

Many neurological illnesses are characterized by abnormalities that can be seen with brain imaging studies.

A number of medical conditions can have symptoms similar to those of Huntingtons disease.

But often, its the eventual progression over time that helps clarify the distinction.