Juvenile Huntington disease

Juvenile Huntington's Disease

Fewer than ten percent of individuals with HD develop symptoms before age 20. Because it is uncommon and differs from typical adult-onset HD, in both the neurological symptoms and the ways that it changes the lives of the individuals and families that it affects, juvenile onset HD presents unique challenges to affected individuals, their caregivers, and the various professionals who are called upon to assist them.

Typical initial symptoms of juvenile HD:

            •           Positive family history of HD, usually in the father

            •           Stiffness of the legs

            •           Clumsiness of arms and legs

            •           Decline in cognitive function

            •           Changes in behavior

            •           Seizures

            •           Changes in oral motor function

            •           Chorea in an adolescent

            •           Behavioral disturbances

It is suggested that you contact your closest HDSA Center of Excellence if you have reason to suspect a case of juvenile onset Huntington's Disease.

Download the Juvenile HD Handbook: A Guide for Physicians, Neurologists and Other Professionals

Download Juvenile HD: A Guide for Families

Download the Juvenile Onset HD Resource Directory