Huntington's Disease

Huntington's Disease Care at UVM Health

Why Choose UVM Health?

As one of the region's leading providers of movement disorder care, we offer:

Coordinated care: Neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, neuroradiologists, rehabilitation providers and genetic counselors come together to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.
National recognition: Our Frederick C. Binter Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders is a hub for leading-edge research and care. The Huntington's Disease Society of America (HSDA) has designated our center as an HSDA Center of Excellence, signifying the highest standards of care and access to clinical research.

Huntington's Disease Symptoms

Symptoms of HD can vary from person to person but usually cause movement disorders, mental health conditions, and trouble with thinking and planning.

Movement Disorder Symptoms

Unsteady gait and involuntary movements (chorea)
Involuntary movements affecting all the muscles of the body, specifically arms, legs, face and tongue. Chorea can also affect the ability to make voluntary movements. Additional involuntary movements may include:
- Involuntary jerking or writhing movements
- Muscle rigidity or muscle contracture
- Slow or unusual eye movements
- Trouble walking or keeping posture and balance
- Trouble with speech or swallowing

Cognitive Symptoms

Forgetfulness and impaired judgement
Significant weight loss
Lack of awareness of one’s own behaviors and abilities
Slowness in processing thoughts or “finding” words
Trouble learning new information

Mental Health Symptoms

Irritability, sadness, depression and apathy
Social withdrawal
Personality changes
Trouble sleeping
Fatigue and loss of energy
Thoughts of death, dying and suicide
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Mania
Bipolar disorder

Treatment for Huntington Disease

There are no known treatments that can alter the course of Huntington’s disease. There are medicines that lessen some of the symptoms of movement and mental health conditions.

Patient Resources

For more information about Huntington’s Disease, please visit:

Huntington Disease Society of America: Helpful information about HD, HD research, resources and more.
Huntington’s Disease Youth Organization: Helpful information about Juvenile Onset HD.

Awards & Certifications

Center of Excellence

The Huntington's Disease Society of America (HSDA) has designated our center as an HSDA Center of Excellence, signifying the highest standards of care and access to clinical research.