How is the disease diagnosed?

An experienced neurologist will obtain the individuals medical history and intensively question the individual to rule out all other possibilities. Many neurologists also use a pedigree to determine whether the individual has Huntington's Disease or not. It is essential for the individuals to be truthful and reveal the family history. The doctors will question the individual about recent intellectual and emotional problems and will test the person's hearing, eye movements, strength, coordination, involuntary movements (chorea), sensation, reflexes, balance, movement, and mental status, and will most likely order many lab entries as well. In some cases, the physician may ask the patient to have a brain imaging test.