Huntington's Disease

Duke experts care for people living with Huntington's disease and those who are at risk for the disease. We are North Carolina’s only nationally designated Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) Center of Excellence, which recognizes expertise in diagnosing and managing Huntington’s disease. Our comprehensive team includes movement disorders specialists, therapists, clinical social workers, a clinical pharmacist, a chaplain, nurses, and others who work together to provide comprehensive care to patients and families at any stage of Huntington’s disease across the Southeast, the nation, and the world.

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Huntington's Disease Evaluation and Assessment

Our neurologists specializing in movement disorders perform a physical examination and conduct a thorough medical and family history to gather information about symptoms. Your care team may perform a variety of assessments to help create a care plan or confirm a diagnosis, which may include confirmatory testing. Our team also offers genetic testing for people at risk of developing Huntington's disease in the future -- this is called predictive testing.

Genetic Counseling and Testing

Genetic testing can identify the abnormality that is known to cause Huntington’s disease. We review the findings with you and offer additional genetic counseling when needed.

Cognitive and Behavioral Assessments

Our experts evaluate thinking and behavior, including memory, reasoning, and emotional state. They will establish a baseline status so they can measure changes as the disease progresses. For people who are struggling at work, neuropsychologic memory testing can be key in obtaining disability benefits.

Movement Assessment

We will examine any balance and walking issues, as well as fine motor movements, to develop a care plan.

Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy Assessment

Specialized physical, occupational, and speech therapists evaluate your motor, communication, and swallowing capabilities and how they affect your quality of life.

Duke Neurology at Morreene Road

Learn about the care offered here so you can prepare for your appointments.

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Huntington's Disease Management

Medications

There are three related drugs that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to suppress the irregular movements (chorea) that are a hallmark of Huntington’s disease. However, these medications have potential side effects that need to be monitored. Other medications to treat movement, cognitive, or behavioral symptoms (such as depression, irritability, or impulsiveness) may be used as well.

Our neurology clinical pharmacist helps you manage your medications, minimize side effects, and reduce medication costs.

Physical Therapy

Our physical therapists are experienced in helping people with Huntington’s disease optimize mobility and reduce the risk of falling, especially as the disease progresses. They expertly recommend assistive devices, such as walkers or wheelchairs, when needed.

Occupational Therapy

When Huntington’s disease affects the ability to perform everyday tasks, such as getting dressed, walking, or other day-to-day functions, our occupational therapists can help people maximize their ability to function independently. Evaluations to assess driving safety are often performed.

Speech and Language Therapy

Huntington’s disease can affect the ability to speak or swallow normally. Our speech-language pathologists are experts in testing for swallowing problems (dysphagia). They also help develop strategies to reduce the risk of choking or aspiration pneumonia that can result from this. Our speech-language pathologists can offer techniques to improve speaking or thinking skills.

Clinical Social Work

Our licensed social workers provide direct support to patients and their families, promoting resource-sharing, offering support groups, and providing guidance with disability application, among other support.

Chaplain

Our interfaith chaplains, board-certified through the Association of Professional Chaplains, provide spiritual and emotional support, offering prayer, spiritual counsel, grief support, and a compassionate presence to patients and their family members.

Psychiatric Care

Psychiatric symptoms often accompany a diagnosis of Huntington’s disease. Our team can help connect you with local mental health care providers.

Call for an Appointment

919-681-0707

Why Choose Duke

Access to Top Doctors and Innovative Research

Our experts are always striving to improve care for Huntington’s disease. Duke neurologists, neurobiologists, and their associates are actively engaged in cutting-edge research to improve the care of those with and at risk for Huntington’s disease.

Team Approach

Because Huntington’s disease can affect the body in many ways, our team includes neurologists, psychiatrists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and social workers who customize a management plan specific to your needs.

Support Services

Adjusting to a Huntington’s disease diagnosis or caring for a loved one with the disease can be difficult, confusing, and emotionally draining, especially because there is no cure at this time (although there is hope for a cure or improved treatments in the future). Our social workers and chaplain get to know you and your family, host support groups, work to find resources in your community, and strive to improve your quality of life, no matter how Huntington’s disease affects you personally.

Clinical Trials

Duke participates in clinical trials seeking new, more effective ways to manage and treat Huntington’s disease. Our dedicated clinical trial coordinator is available to enroll and guide participants through the process.

HDSA Center of Excellence

Our neurology program is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for 2025–2026. As a designated Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) Center of Excellence, and the only one in North Carolina, Duke Health provides the highest level of testing, diagnosis, and management services for people with Huntington's disease. We offer a comprehensive care approach, train tomorrow’s leaders in movement disorder care, and work to improve Huntington's disease treatment through our research efforts.

Patient Resources

This page was medically reviewed on 04/21/2026 by

Allison Allen, LCSW, MSW | Clinical Social Worker