If you have a parent with Huntington’s, you have a 50% chance of having the disease yourself. Remember that Huntington’s disease has similar symptoms to other disorders, so you may want to check for anyone who has similar symptoms in your family. If you know you have a family history of it, however, you should see a doctor as soon as these symptoms present. Because the gene for Huntington’s is dominant, you usually can only get the gene if a direct ancestor (such as parents or grandparents) had it too. While extremely rare, a very small percentage of people may develop the gene without having a family history.

Common involuntary movements include eye twitches, strange facial expressions, and flailing arms or legs. Involuntary muscle twitching can be a symptom of many diseases, including Ataxia, Myoclonus, and Parkinson’s disease. Always check for other symptoms before making a diagnosis.

As Huntington’s progresses, you may lose the ability to speak. Remember that slurred speech can be a sign of many different disorders, including a brain tumor, Parkinson’s disease, or Lyme disease. While you should still see a neurologist, check for other symptoms as well.

This can be a difficult thing to judge for yourself. If a friend or family member comes to you with concerns about your cognitive ability, go to a doctor. In people under the age of 20, you may notice a sudden drop or change in academic performance.

For example, you might state that you are feeling very angry or irritable on a certain day. This can help you find patterns if they exist. Even if you’re not diagnosed with Huntington’s, this journal can help a therapist diagnose or treat you. Huntington’s can cause suicidal feelings. If you’re feeling suicidal, reach out for help. Call a suicide hotline to speak to someone. In the U. S. , call/text 988. In the UK, call 116 123, and in Australia, call 13 11 14. If you start experiencing hallucinations, paranoia, or psychosis, get to a doctor as soon as possible.

Juvenile Huntington’s is a faster and more aggressive form of the disease.

While you can go to a neurologist you find yourself, you may need the referral for insurance purposes.

Tell your doctor if you normally experience symptoms of Huntington’s disease at home. This is a good time to show your doctor any notes or recordings you have kept of your symptoms. If you’re diagnosed with Huntington’s, your doctor may use a scoring system called the Total Functioning Capacity Rating to determine what stage you’re at. [10] X Research source

Brain scans may not show any changes in the early stages of the disease. If you’ve just started showing symptoms, your doctor may wait before doing a scan.

If you’re not displaying symptoms of Huntington’s, you can still get the genetic test to see if you carry the gene. Everyone who carries the gene will develop Huntington’s at some point. Not everyone wants to know if they carry the gene. If you’re on the fence, talk to a genetic counselor about the benefits and drawbacks of knowing this information. A genetic test may be sometimes used to confirm your diagnosis of Huntington’s. Even if you’re already displaying symptoms, your doctor may recommend it.

Depression and bipolar disorder can be common with Huntington’s. If you are diagnosed with 1 of these, your psychiatrist will treat these conditions separately from your Huntington’s disease, using medication and psychotherapy.

In the first 2 stages, you may be fully functional at work and home, although you may have increased stumbling, trembling, or memory problems. In the intermediate stage, you may require help with certain tasks and daily activities, such as cooking or handling finances. Some people may still be able to live on their own. In the last 2 stages, you may lose the ability to walk, eat, or live on your own. You may need around-the-clock care. In the very last stage, you may be moved to a hospice. Everyone experiences symptoms differently. The disease may progress differently for you than for other people.

Your medication will depend on your specific symptoms or the stage of the disease. Medications that work at an early stage may lose their effectiveness in later stages. If you take other medications, get them approved by your doctor, as you may become more sensitive to medications over time.

Your doctor or neurologist can refer you to a speech therapist.

The occupational therapist can help you maintain control over basic tasks, such as feeding yourself or going to the restroom, as the disease progresses. The therapist may also suggest using tools to help you get around, like handrails or special eating utensils.

Support groups are also a great option. In the U. S. , you can find a Huntington’s disease support group through the Huntington’s Disease Society of America: http://hdsa. org/about-hdsa/locate-resources.

Consider making a living will that spells out your wishes once you are no longer capable of making your own decisions. It may be a good idea to get other affairs in order at the same time. Talk to a lawyer about writing a will for your estate or making your wishes known regarding a burial.