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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Huntington S Disease Be Diagnosed?

I have a question I have a child who is 14 years old female.I just found out her uncle on her biological father s side of the family has been diagnosed with Huntington s disease .All of her dad s father s side of his family has died to the complications of this disease .her dad refuses to be tested for it.but his father died from the complications of it should I be concerned she may have it?she has issues with her core muscels and blance she has been in physical therapy and occupational there since she was three.is there a way I can make the state run the genetic test for this they have denied running it een thou are primary doc ordered it they will not do it unless she is 18 or her father gets tested he refuses to .I understand the suicide rate is high among ppl diagnosed with this but not why it is so high .if you can answer any of these q uestions I would be very thankful
Thu, 24 May 2018
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Pediatrician,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

The age of onset of Huntington's disease can be as early as two years old. The father is the affected parent 80-85% of the time, when Huntington's disease begins in childhood. Declining school performance often brings the child to medical attention. In early-onset cases, there is rigidity with loss of facial expression and movements. Unsteady, wide-based, lurching gait are other features of this condition.

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Note: For detailed guidance on genetic screening consult a genetics specialist
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How Can Huntington S Disease Be Diagnosed?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. The age of onset of Huntington s disease can be as early as two years old. The father is the affected parent 80-85% of the time, when Huntington s disease begins in childhood. Declining school performance often brings the child to medical attention. In early-onset cases, there is rigidity with loss of facial expression and movements. Unsteady, wide-based, lurching gait are other features of this condition. I hope this is helpful to you. Please return if we can help you again.