Huntington's Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Huntington's Disease?
A neurologist (a doctor who treats brain and nerve disorders) usually leads care for Huntington's disease. Genetic counselors, mental health professionals, and speech-language therapists often help too. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is Huntington's disease?
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited disorder, which means it is passed down in families. It causes nerve cells (neurons) in parts of the brain to slowly break down and die. It affects areas of the brain that control voluntary (intentional) movement.
People are born with the changed gene, but symptoms usually do not start until middle age. Children can also have HD, called juvenile HD, but it is rare.
Symptoms
Early symptoms differ from person to person. They often include:
- Mild clumsiness or problems with balance or movement.
- Chorea, which means jerking or twitching movements that a person cannot control. Many people with HD develop it.
- Dystonia, in which muscles tighten without control and the body gets stuck in unusual positions.
- Trouble focusing, mood changes, and changes in behavior.
- Unusual eye movements, which may occur early in the disease.
Other symptoms can include slurred speech and problems with swallowing and eating. Weight loss from eating and swallowing problems may lead to choking and lung infections.
Thinking changes include problems with attention or judgment and trouble solving problems or making decisions. These thinking changes get worse over time. Many people with HD stay aware of their surroundings and can express their feelings.
Behavior changes include feeling easily annoyed, uninterested, depressed, or angry. Some people have thoughts of suicide, severe depression, or loss of touch with reality (psychosis).
Juvenile HD begins in childhood or adolescence. Juvenile HD tends to get worse more quickly than the adult-onset form.
Causes and who gets it
HD is caused by a change in the gene that makes a protein called huntingtin (HTT). The change makes a section of DNA called CAG repeat many more times than normal. This makes an abnormal huntingtin protein that harms brain cells. People who have 36 or more repeats have HD. A larger number of repeats is usually linked to earlier symptoms.
HD is passed from parent to child. One changed copy of the gene is enough to cause HD. When a parent has HD, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the genetic variant (change). A child who does not inherit it will not get HD and cannot pass it on.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors use symptoms, family history, lab and brain tests, and gene tests to diagnose HD. A neurologist may check reflexes, balance, movement, muscle strength, hearing, walking, thinking, memory, and mood.
The most accurate test counts the CAG repeats in the HTT gene. It uses DNA from a blood sample. Genetic counseling can help you weigh the risks and benefits of taking the test.
A doctor may also use brain scans, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). Changes seen on scans can also happen in other conditions, and people with early HD may have normal scans.
Treatment
There is no cure. Medicines can help manage some of the symptoms, but cannot slow down or stop the disease. Some symptoms can be treated:
- Tetrabenazine, deuterabenazine, and valbenazine treat chorea by affecting brain signals that control body movement.
- Antipsychotic medicines, such as risperidone and olanzapine, may help calm chorea movements. They may also treat severe irritability, unusual thoughts, or seeing or hearing things that are not there.
- Some antipsychotic medicines can make movement symptoms worse, so doctors watch for side effects and adjust treatment as needed.
- Other medicines treat depression and anxiety.
Side effects of these medicines may include tiredness, sleepiness, trouble concentrating, restlessness, or increased activity.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if a parent has HD and you notice clumsiness, balance problems, or mood changes. Genetic counseling may help you decide about testing.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if someone is choking, has trouble breathing, or has attempted suicide.
If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) right away.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can review your family history. They can help arrange genetic counseling and a neurologist visit.
Common questions
Is Huntington's disease curable?
No, there is no cure. Medicines can help manage some symptoms, but they cannot slow down or stop the disease.
Can one parent pass on Huntington's disease?
Yes. One changed copy of the gene from one parent is enough to cause HD. When a parent has HD, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the genetic variant.
Can a blood test show if I will get Huntington's disease?
Yes. A blood test can tell you if you have the HD gene and will develop the disease. Genetic counseling can help you weigh the risks and benefits of taking the test.
Can children get Huntington's disease?
Yes, but it is rare. Juvenile HD begins in childhood or the teen years. It tends to get worse more quickly than adult-onset HD.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Huntington's Disease
- MedlinePlus Genetics - Huntington's disease
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Huntington's Disease
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
