Download Huntington`s Disease Clinic

MEDICINE
Huntington’s Disease Clinic
Huntington’s Disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant, neurodegenerative
disorder that slowly diminishes the patient’s ability to walk, talk, and
reason. HD affects the lives of entire families emotionally, socially,
and economically as patients eventually become totally reliant on their
caregivers.
Our Specialists
David Standaert, MD, PhD
Professor and Chair, UAB
Department of Neurology
John N. Whitaker Chair in
Neurology
Recognized as one of the more common genetic disorders, the disease
affects as many people as affected by hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, or
muscular dystrophy. Because the disease is hereditary, more than 250,000
Americans either currently have HD or are at risk of inheriting the disease
from an affected parent. Though there currently is no cure for HD and
only one FDA-approved treatment, there are a number of pharmacologic
and non-pharmacologic treatment options available that can improve HD
symptoms and quality of life.
Victor Sung, MD
Clinical Director, UAB
Huntington’s Disease Clinic
Assistant Professor, UAB
Division of Movement
Disorders
Symptoms
The onset of Huntington’s typically occurs between ages 30-50, though
onset may occur as early as age 2.
Behavioral/emotional symptoms:
• Irritability
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Aggressive outbursts
• Mood swings
• Social withdrawal
Motor symptoms:
• Fidgety behavior
• Issues with coordination
• Involuntary movements (chorea, dystonia)
• Difficulties with speech, swallowing, balance, and walking
Cognitive symptoms:
• Problems with short-term memory, organizing, coping, and concentrating
Why UAB?
A number of UAB physicians played important roles in the initial discovery
of the HD gene, and UAB is proud to continue this heritage by providing
comprehensive care for HD patients and families. UAB is one of only 22
Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) recognized HD Centers
of Excellence in the U.S. As a true multidisciplinary clinic, treatment at
UAB offers patients a team of dedicated physicians, nursing support,
therapists, and social workers for the medical management of both their
neurologic and psychiatric symptoms. Physical, occupational, and speech
therapy evaluations take place within the multidisciplinary clinic visit at
no additional cost to the patient. The physicians in the clinic are dedicated
to the treatment of HD and draw upon extensive experience in treating
HD. Additionally, as part of the clinic’s goal of addressing the impact of
HD on the entire family, patients and family members can receive genetic
counseling at no cost. UAB is also actively involved in various observational
and interventional research trials for HD.
For Referring Physicians
To refer a patient, or for
consultation with the UAB
Huntington’s Disease Clinic,
connect with UAB MIST
(Medical Information Service via
Telephone), at 1.800.UAB.MIST
(1.800.822.6478). UAB MIST is
a 24-hour service for physicians
and healthcare professionals only,
and gives immediate access to
UAB faculty and physicians
regarding inpatient referrals,
outpatient appointments,
consults, and patient follow-up.
The Huntington’s Disease Clinic
is located in the UAB Neurology
Clinic inside The Kirklin Clinic,
2000 6th Avenue South,
Birmingham, AL 35233.
800.UAB.MIST (800.822.6478) • uabmedicine.org