A survey-based study identifies common but unrecognized symptoms in a large series of juvenile Huntington's disease. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moser, Amelia D; Epping, Eric; Espe-Pfeifer, Patricia; Martin, Erin; Zhorne, Leah; Mathews, Katherine; Nance, Martha; Hudgell, Denise; Quarrell, Oliver; Nopoulos, Peg
• Is Part Of: Neurodegenerative disease management. Volume 7:Number 5(2017)
• Page Start: 307
• Page End: 315
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Huntington's disease -- itching -- juvenile onset -- pain -- psychosis -- sleep -- symptoms -- tics; Nervous system -- Degeneration -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2017-0019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-2024

Abstract

Aim: The symptoms of Huntington's disease are well known, yet the symptoms of juvenile Huntington's disease (JHD) are less established due to its rarity. The study examined a cluster of symptoms considered to be common, but under-recognized in JHD: pain, itching, sleeping difficulties, psychosis and tics.Materials & methods: A symptom survey was constructed using the online tool Qualtrics and dispersed to JHD caregivers through websites.Results: A total of 33 surveys were completed. Disrupted sleep was the most prevalent symptom (87%), followed by tics (78%), pain (69%), itching (60%) and psychosis (39%).Conclusion: Despite limitations, the study supports that there are symptoms in the JHD population that are not considered classic, however, are common and significant for patients and caregivers.