Huntington’s Disease
If you can’t stop shaking, are moving without trying and just don’t feel like yourself, it’s time to get help. You probably thought something wasn’t right, but finding out you have Huntington’s disease (HD) can leave you facing an unclear future.
There’s plenty of hope. Cleveland Clinic experts are here to help you learn more about your HD and what it means for your future. We’ll help you manage your symptoms and support you physically, mentally and emotionally.
Why Choose Cleveland Clinic for Huntington’s Disease Care?
Demonstrated expertise:
Cleveland Clinic is a Huntington’s Disease Society of America Center of Excellence. This means our neurological experts deliver the highest level of care. Meet our team.
Innovation and research:
As a certified Huntington’s disease study group (Consortium of Academic Research Institutions) credentialed site, we participate in research trials, investigating possible new therapies before they become widely available.
Comprehensive treatment:
Your providers will work together to make sure you get the tests, treatments and support you need to manage your HD. This can include mental health and genetic counseling for you and your family, as well as physical, occupational and speech therapy.
Caring approach:
Our compassionate healthcare providers are here to listen to you and understand your physical and emotional needs so they can craft a treatment plan that matches your unique situation.
National recognition:
Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We're recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.
Virtual visits:
Sometimes you don’t feel up to traveling to an in-person appointment. We understand. Our virtual visits let you talk with your provider from the comfort of home on your smartphone, computer or tablet.
Huntington’s Disease Diagnosis at Cleveland Clinic
At your first visit, you’ll likely meet with a neurologist for a physical exam. They’ll look for any twitching and jerking in your limbs and check your balance, reflexes and coordination. They’ll also talk with you about your family medical history.
You may also have some tests to rule out other health issues that can cause similar symptoms. You might get bloodwork and have imaging tests like an MRI and a CT scan. Your provider might also recommend genetic testing.
Genetic testing
HD is passed down through a gene change (mutation). You typically won’t have symptoms until you’re 30 to 50 years old. Genetic testing can let us know if you have this mutation. Knowing this will help us predict if you and your children (if you have them or plan to) are at risk for HD.
Genetic testing is done through a blood sample. You’ll meet with a genetic counselor to talk about what to expect during the process. Once your results are ready, your counselor will talk about any next steps. They’ll give you the information and support you need to help you make the decisions that are best for you.
Meet Your Huntington’s Disease Team
At Cleveland Clinic, you’ll have the support of specialists in many different areas to help you throughout your journey — from testing and beyond. Your providers could include:
Providers Who Treat Huntington’s Disease
Locations
Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio, Florida and Nevada.Huntington’s Disease Treatment at Cleveland Clinic
Huntington’s disease is a lifelong (chronic) condition. But your team of providers will work with you to manage your symptoms through a variety of treatments.
Each provider has lots of experience working with patients and families affected by HD. They’ll help you coordinate ongoing testing, therapies, clinical trials and any other services you might need. Our goal is to keep you as independent as possible for as long as possible.
Because HD can affect you physically, emotionally and mentally, we’ll talk with you about how different treatment combinations can work together to manage your disease. For example, we might combine physical therapy, counseling and medications to reduce your symptoms like tremors, twitching, anxiety and depression.
Lifestyle changes, like exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water, can also help manage your HD symptoms.
Taking the Next Step
Huntington’s disease comes with a lot of uncertainty. At Cleveland Clinic, our team will help you and your loved ones navigate your path with compassionate care and support every step of the way. Whether it’s a quick diagnosis, personalized treatment or referrals to community resources, we’re here to help make your life a little easier — and more peaceful — from the start.
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