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7 common signs of Huntington’s disease to know of
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7 common signs of Huntington’s disease to know of

Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a rare neurological disease affecting the part of one’s brain that controls bodily movements. Due to the disease, the affected nerve cells weaken, break down, and die over time. The physical and neuropsychiatric symptoms and their progression may vary from one person to another. HD is diagnosed by closely studying one’s medical history, neurological exams, diagnostic imaging, and genetic tests. Let’s learn more about its symptoms and who it affects primarily. Who does Huntington’s Disease affect? Since HD is an inherited or genetic disorder, it is more likely to affect those whose family members or close relatives have this condition. It is primarily triggered by a mutation in the gene responsible for producing the huntingtin protein. Usually, the HD symptoms start to show in middle-aged individuals after their 30s or 40s, but if one shows signs before 20, it’s termed juvenile Huntington’s disease. Common symptoms of Huntington’s disease Early signs of HD, especially in the case of juveniles, might be more tricky to diagnose, enabling the condition to progress rapidly. If left undetected and untreated, the symptoms may worsen. Involuntary movements The most common symptom is involuntary, jerky movements, and may manifest in ways like: Muscle jerking Muscle rigidity Sudden muscular contractions or tremors Frequent falls, stumbling, and difficulty in walking Seizures, more commonly seen in juvenile cases Uncoordinated eye movements, which can be slow or seem unusual These symptoms may worsen when the person feels a surge of intense emotion, including stress or anxiety, and significantly affect one’s ability to carry out daily tasks or hold conversations.
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