While there is currently no cure for Huntington’s Disease (HD), treatment focuses on managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and slowing progression. Since the condition affects movement, thinking, and emotions, the best care plans involve a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

Treatment varies from person to person. What works for one patient might not work for another. A customized care plan is essential for effective symptom management.

First-Line Treatment Options

1. Medications for Movement Symptoms

· Tetrabenazine and Deutetrabenazine
These help reduce involuntary movements (chorea), a common symptom of HD.

· Antipsychotic medications
Drugs like haloperidol and risperidone may be used if the patient also has mood swings, agitation, or psychosis.

· Muscle relaxants and anti-seizure medications
These help control stiffness and muscle spasms in some cases.

Doctors prescribe the lowest effective dose to reduce side effects and adjust over time as symptoms evolve.

2. Medications for Psychiatric Symptoms

· Antidepressants (SSRIs) like fluoxetine and sertraline help manage depression and anxiety.

· Mood stabilizers are used to control mood swings, aggression, or irritability.

· Antianxiety medications may be used short-term for calming severe emotional symptoms.

These medications help patients remain emotionally stable, improving communication and daily function

Second-Line and Supportive Therapies

HD treatment is more than just medicine. Long-term management includes various supportive therapies that help maintain independence and dignity.

1. Physiotherapy

· Helps with balance, strength, and mobility.

· Reduces fall risk and delays muscle wasting.

· Teaches exercises for better coordination and walking posture.

2. Occupational Therapy

· Teaches patients how to do daily tasks more easily, such as dressing or eating.

· Recommends assistive tools and home modifications.

3. Speech and Language Therapy

· Assists with communication as speech becomes slurred or difficult.
· Helps with swallowing techniques when eating becomes a challenge.

4. Psychological Counselling

· Helps patients and families cope with emotional and mental health changes.

· Provides support through life transitions, mood disorders, and relationship strain.

At Narayana Health, all these services are offered through coordinated care teams, so that patients don’t have to visit different hospitals or specialists for each service.

What is Huntington’s Disease?