Understanding Huntingtons Disease Essay examples -- Health Medicine

Understanding Huntingtons Disease Diagnosis of Huntingtons Disease Today, a blood test is available to diagnose a person displaying venture Huntingtons symptoms. The test analyzes DNA in the blood sample and counts the number of clock the genetic code for the mutated Huntingtons gene is repeated. Individuals with Huntingtons Disease usually have 40 or more such repeats those without it, 28 or fewer. If the number of repeats falls somewhere in between then more extensive neurological and diagnostic examen are called for. Tests of the patient roles hearing, eye movements, strength, feeling, reflexes, balance, movement and mental watch will follow. The patient may also be asked close both recent intellectual or emotional problems.A computed tomography s force out, antielectron emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging techniques can also be positivist. This is a painless diagnostic procedure that produces computer generated images of the brains internal structures. Hun tingtons patients often show shrinkage in two detail areas of the brain, the caudate nucleus and the putamen, and enlargement of ventricles. Lastly, the discovery of an Huntingtons disease genetic marker, enabled scientists to find the Huntingtons Disease gene on chromosome 4. These discoveries led to the development of an accurate preclinical test for detecting the presence of the HD mutation. People without symptoms, but with a family narration of Huntingtons often elect to undergo this testing to gain greater certainity about their genetic status. This also enables them to make more informed decisions about their future. Pre-symptomatic testing can be performed on adults, children and even unborn fetuses in the womb, superlative ethical ... ...n worsen the condition by causing stiffness and rigidity. If the patient suffers from depression, the physician may prescribe fluoxetine, sertraline hydrochloride or nortriptyline. Tranquilizers can be used to treat anxiety and lithiu m may be prescribed to those patients with pathological excitement or severe mood swings.Works Cited Glass, M. Dragunow, M. Faull, R.L.M. (2000). The figure of speech of neurodegeneration in Huntingtons disease a comparative study of cannabinoid, dopamine, adenosine and GABAA receptor alterations in the human basal ganglia in Huntingtons disease. Neuroscience. 973 505-519.Lawrence, A.D. Sahakian, B.J. & Robbins, T.W. (1998). Cognitive functions and corticostriatal circuits insights from Huntingtons disease. Trends in Cognitive Sciences. 210 379-388. For information regarding Huntingtons Disease http//www.hda.org.uk/