Diagnosis



A diagnosis of Huntington's disease is based primarily on answers to questions, a general physical exam, a review of family medical history, and neurological and psychiatric examinations as well as technological exams.

The neurologist will conduct relatively simple tests in the office
 * Neurological examination**
 * Reflexes
 * Muscle strength
 * Muscle tone
 * Sense of touch
 * Vision and eye movement
 * Hearing
 * Coordination
 * Balance
 * Mental status
 * Mood

You'll likely be referred to a psychiatrist for an examination to judge a number of factors that could contribute to your diagnosis, including:
 * Psychiatric evaluation**
 * Emotional state
 * Patterns of behaviors
 * Quality of judgment
 * Coping skills
 * Signs of disordered thinking
 * Evidence of substance abuse

Exam and testing should be administered after having consulted a genetic counselor. A genetic test can be given to someone who has a family history of the disease but shows no signs or symptoms. The test result has no treatment benefit, and it doesn't indicate when disease onset will begin or what symptoms are likely to appear first.Some people may elect to do the test because they find it more stressful not knowing. Others may want to take the test before they make decisions about having children. Risks may include problems with insurability or future employment and the stresses of facing a fatal disease.
 * Predictive genetic test**

The physician may ask the individual to undergo a brain imaging test These provide excellent images of brain structures with little if any discomfort. In addition, a person can have early symptoms of HD and still have a normal CT scan. When used in conjunction with a family history and record of clinical symptoms, however, CT can be an important diagnostic tool.
 * Technological Exam**
 * Computed tomography (CT)
 * magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Another technology for brain imaging which is important in HD research efforts but is not often needed for diagnosis.
 * positron emission tomography (PET)

Before undergoing such a test, consider seeing a genetic counselor, who can explain the benefits and drawbacks of learning test results.