What is Huntington’s Disease?

Huntington's disease is an inherited disorder that causes degeneration of brain cells in the motor control regions of the brain, as well as other areas. Symptoms of the disease, which become progressively worse, include uncontrolled movements, abnormal body postures, and changes in behavior, emotion, judgment, and cognition. Huntington’s disease also causes impaired coordination, slurred speech, and difficulty feeding and swallowing. Symptoms typically begin between the ages of 30 and 50. A juvenile form occurs under age 20. More than 30,000 Americans have Huntington’s disease.

How is Huntington’s Disease Inherited?

Huntington’s disease is caused by a mutation in the gene for a protein called “huntingtin.” An affected person usually inherits the altered gene from one affected parent. Each child of a parent with Huntington’s disease has a 50-50 chance of inheriting the gene. If a child does not inherit the gene, he or she will not develop the disease and generally cannot pass it to subsequent generations. There is a small risk that someone who has a parent with the mutated gene, but who did not inherit the gene, may pass a possibly harmful genetic sequence to his or her children. A person who inherits the gene will eventually develop the disease. In very rare cases, an individual with Huntington disease does not have a parent with the disorder.

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How is Huntington’s Disease Diagnosed?

A genetic test, coupled with a complete medical history and neurological and laboratory tests, helps physicians diagnose Huntington’s disease. People with a known family history of Huntington's disease are understandably concerned about whether they may pass the Huntington gene on to their children. These people may consider genetic testing and family planning options.

For prospective parents of presumed risk of passing Huntington’s disease to a child, it’s advisable to meet with a genetic counselor. A genetic counselor will discuss the potential risks of a positive test result, which would indicate if the parent will develop the disease, as well. Prenatal testing for the gene is also available.

Treatment for Huntington’s Disease

No treatment can yet stop the progression of Huntington’s disease. However, medications and therapies can help with symptoms.

Medications for physical symptoms:

• Tetrabenazine (Xenazine) is specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration to suppress the involuntary jerking and writhing movements (chorea) associated with Huntington's disease.
• Antipsychotic drugs, such as haloperidol (Haldol) and chlorpromazine, have a side effect of suppressing movements.
• Other medications include amantadine, levetiracetam (Keppra, others) and clonazepam (Klonopin).

Medications for psychiatric symptoms:

• Tetrabenazine (Xenazine) is specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration to suppress the involuntary jerking and writhing movements (chorea) associated with Huntington's disease.
• Antipsychotic drugs, such as haloperidol (Haldol) and chlorpromazine, have a side effect of suppressing movements.
• Other medications include amantadine, levetiracetam (Keppra, others) and clonazepam (Klonopin).

Mental health practices:

Mental health professionals can provide talk therapy to help a person manage behavioral problems, develop coping strategies, manage expectations during progression of the disease and facilitate effective communication among family members.

Speech therapy:

A speech therapist can help improve the ability to speak clearly or teach the use of communication devices, as well as address difficulties with muscles used in eating and swallowing.

Physical therapy:

A physical therapist can teach appropriate and safe exercises that enhance strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. These exercises can help maintain mobility as long as possible and may reduce the risk of falls.

Occupational therapy:

Occupational therapy assists the person with Huntington's disease, family members and caregivers on the use of assistive devices that improve functional abilities.

Power Wheelchair and Seating Support for Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease can affect balance, coordination, muscle control, involuntary movement, endurance, and attention, requiring safe mobility, stable seating, simple access, and participation as needs change. Quantum Rehab power wheelchairs can be configured to support comfort, positioning, accessibility, and meaningful daily engagement for individuals and caregivers navigating a progressive neurological condition.

TRU-Balance® 4 Power Positioning Systems can help address Huntington's-related needs for postural support, pressure redistribution, fatigue management, and stable repositioning. Power tilt, anterior tilt, recline, elevating leg rests, adjustable seat elevation, and programmable seating positions may help reduce sliding, improve comfort, support functional reach, and provide more consistent positioning during daily activities when movement patterns are unpredictable.

Quantum Q-Logic 3 electronics can be programmed and paired with access options that match the user’s motor control, coordination, and cognitive needs. Specialty inputs, simplified drive settings, Bluetooth®, environmental controls, and caregiver-accessible support options may help preserve participation while reducing unnecessary effort.

The best wheelchair for Huntington's disease should provide safety, dignity, adaptability, and continued connection at each stage of the condition. Through innovative seating technology, intelligent electronics, and personalized clinical solutions, Quantum power wheelchairs are thoughtfully designed to help individuals living with Huntington’s disease experience greater confidence, mobility, comfort, and connection throughout every stage of their journey.

Please click here for more information on Quantum Power Chair solutions for those living with Huntington’s disease.

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