Facial movements especially around the jaw may occur. There is often difficulty with walking and posture. The psychiatric symptoms may present as paranoia, confusion, or personality changes. As the disease progresses, a significant dementia develops. Diagnosis is dependent on finding a family history, and appropriate clinical symptoms.
Many issues become important when a diagnosis of Huntingtons Chorea is considered.
It is known that the gene for the disorder is located on chromosome number 4, and that the disease is inherited in a pattern known as autosomal dominant. Therefore, with the techniques in molecular biology available today, the gene can be found in patients who are suspected of having the disorder. In addition, individuals who have a family history of the disease can consider genetic testing to find out if they have the abnormal gene. If the abnormal gene is present, it is certain the disease will occur. Genetic counseling is available and can be very helpful in this setting.