Huntington disease is a genetic disorder. It is an autosomal dominant disorder that can be passed from affected people to their children. Nothing can be done to prevent Huntington disease in a person who has already been born. Genetic testing can determine whether someone has the gene that causes Huntington disease. Genetic counseling may be useful for a person with a family history of Huntington disease.
Diagnosis is made on the basis of the symptoms, and a physical examination.
The diagnosis can be confirmed with a DNA test . Early testing of a fetus through amniocentesis can tell whether an unborn child will have the disease. Huntington disease gradually gets worse over time. Affected people may be unable to take care of themselves and may need to put in an institution. Death occurs in most affected people about 10 to 20 years after the disease is diagnosed.