- While clinical trials with gene therapy and other approaches to altering brain chemistry are in progress, according to Mayo Clinic, there is no cure for Huntington's disease, and all treatment is aimed at managing symptoms and improving the quality of life. The only FDA-approved medication for Huntington's disease is tetrabenazine (Xenazine), used to reduce chorea but contraindicated if you have depression. You may receive antipsychotics such as Haldol and clozapine to manage violent behavior or hallucinations, but the sedative effect may further impair movement. A patient may also need antidepressants for depression and/or mood stabilizers such as lithium for mood swings. NeurologyChannel reports that botulinum toxin injections are sometimes used to relax muscles that cause jaws to clench shut.
- Huntington's disease causes difficulty swallowing and frequent choking, which can cause aspiration pneumonia from food inhaled into the lungs, so a patient may need careful meal planning and diet modifications. If having trouble swallowing, one should eat soft or blended food and drink all liquids through a straw as this allows better control. If thick liquids increase choking, one can add thickening agents. A patient will probably eat very slowly and choreic movements burn energy, so his caloric needs are higher than normal, making it difficult to get enough calories and nutrition without added dietary supplements. If the patient cannot swallow or repeatedly chokes, he may need a feeding tube.
- As Huntington's disease progresses, a patient may have increasing difficulty with speaking, walking and managing activities of daily living, so he may benefit from therapy to help improve functioning. Speech therapy can sometimes help to maintain the ability to speak or find alternate ways to communicate. Physical therapy can help maintain muscle strength and improve balance to reduce injury from falls, which are often frequent. Occupational therapy can help the patient adapt to changes in his ability to care for himself. The therapist may advise modifications in his home environment (such as removal of throw rugs and installation of safety bars) to prevent injury or suggest adaptive devices.
