Scottish
Huntingtons
Association Illustrated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early
symptoms?
The
early symptoms of Huntington’s disease can be very subtle and it is not always
easy to know for sure
whether the problem you are worrying about is caused by the illness. For
example, what if you were having a
stressful time and noticed that your memory did not seem to work as well or
that you felt tired more often
than usual.
The
problem is that stress can cause these symptoms and so can HD so it may not be
possible to tell which
is which. It is also very common to watch for symptoms and this may make you
worried that you have
symptoms even if you do not. Although having the gene test is a very personal
decision, it is one of the steps you will need to take if you want to be sure
if you have HD or not. But it is important to take things at your own pace and
feel ready to deal with hearing that you have symptoms.
Early
symptoms can be detected by having a neurological examination, carried out by a
doctor. This examination looks at things like balance, coordination
and muscle strength. Following the examination a doctor can tell you if he
thinks you have symptoms. Some people choose to return on a yearly basis so
that they can get advice about the management of their symptoms. These are
difficult issues to consider and people cope in many different ways - none of
which is right or wrong. You may choose not do anything about the symptoms. You
could talk to a family member or friend. You might feel that you would
like to talk your worries over with adoctor. Whether or not you have had the
genetic test for Huntington’s disease, genetic centres around Scotland can
offer
support and advice.
Scottish Huntingtons
Association,
Thistle House, 61
Main Road,
Elderslie, PA5 9BA,
Tel; 01505 322245,
email: sha-admin@hdscotland.org.uk
The Scottish Huntington's Association is
a Registered Charity: No 121496.