Understanding Huntingtons Disease Essay examples -- Health Medicine

Understanding Huntington's Disease Diagnosis of Huntington's Disease Today, a blood test is available to diagnose a person displaying suspected Huntington's symptoms. The test analyzes DNA in the blood sample and counts the number of times the genetic code for the mutated Huntington's gene is repeated. Individuals with Huntington's Disease usually have 40 or more such "repeats;" those without it, 28 or fewer. If the number of repeats falls somewhere in between then more extensive neurological and diagnostic testing are called for. Tests of the patients hearing, eye movements, strength, feeling, reflexes, balance, movement and mental condition will follow. The patient may also be asked about any recent intellectual or emotional problems. A computed tomography scan, positron emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging techniques can also be prescribed. This is a painless diagnostic procedure that produces computer generated images of the brain's internal structures. Huntington's patients often show shrinkage in two particular areas of the brain, the caudate nucleus and the putamen, and enlargement of ventricles. Lastly, the discovery of an Huntington's disease genetic marker, enabled scientists to locate the Huntington's Disease gene on chromosome 4. These discoveries led to the development of an accurate presymptomatic test for detecting the presence of the HD mutation. People without symptoms, but with a family history of Huntington's often elect to undergo this testing to gain greater certainity about their genetic status. This also enables them to make more informed decisions about their future. Pre-symptomatic testing can be performed on adults, children and even unborn fetuses in the womb, raising ethical ... ...n worsen the condition by causing stiffness and rigidity. If the patient suffers from depression, the physician may prescribe fluoxetine, sertraline hydrochloride or nortriptyline. Tranquilizers can be used to treat anxiety and lithium may be prescribed to those patients with pathological excitement or severe mood swings. Works Cited Glass, M.; Dragunow, M.; Faull, R.L.M. (2000). The pattern of neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease: a comparative study of cannabinoid, dopamine, adenosine and GABAA receptor alterations in the human basal ganglia in Huntington's disease. Neuroscience. 97:3; 505-519. Lawrence, A.D.; Sahakian, B.J.; & Robbins, T.W. (1998). Cognitive functions and corticostriatal circuits: insights from Huntington's disease. Trends in Cognitive Sciences. 2:10; 379-388. For information regarding Huntington's Disease: http://www.hda.org.uk/