CNS - Textbook Huntington's Disease (HD)

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following neurological changes is characteristic of Huntington's disease?

  • Increased blood flow to the frontal cortex
  • Regeneration of neurons in the basal ganglia
  • Decreased ventricle size
  • Atrophy of nerves in specific brain areas such as the frontal cortex and basal ganglia (correct)

A client in their early 40s begins to show subtle personality changes and involuntary movements. Considering the typical progression of Huntington's disease, what should the massage therapist be aware of?

  • The client is likely experiencing symptoms unrelated to Huntington's disease due to the later onset.
  • The client's symptoms are most likely due to a recent injury.
  • The client may be in the early stages of Huntington's disease, even if initial signs are not immediately evident. (correct)
  • The client's symptoms indicate a rapid and aggressive form of arthritis.

What is a primary consideration when providing massage therapy to a client with Huntington's disease?

  • Employing vigorous stretching to combat rigidity.
  • Using fast-paced rhythmic techniques to counteract chorea.
  • Focusing on deep tissue techniques to relieve muscle stiffness.
  • Adapting the massage to provide palliative care and maximize client comfort. (correct)

A massage therapist is working with a client who has Huntington's disease and experiences involuntary choreic movements. Which massage modification is MOST appropriate?

<p>Ensure the client is comfortable and well-supported with cushions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the typical progression of Huntington's disease, what is the average timeframe between the appearance of symptoms and death?

<p>15 to 20 years (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the etiology of Huntington's disease?

<p>It is an inherited genetic disorder (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of movements are characteristic of Huntington's disease?

<p>Involuntary, purposeless, rapid, jerky motions (chorea) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client with Huntington's disease has difficulty communicating verbally. What is the MOST appropriate course of action for the therapist?

<p>Develop a simple code, such as blinking, to communicate. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A massage therapist is treating a client with Huntington's disease. Considering massage considerations for Huntington's disease, which of the following should be cautiously applied or omitted?

<p>Passive stretching and joint movements (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For a client using a wheelchair due to Huntington's disease, where can a massage be performed?

<p>While the client is in the wheelchair (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Huntington's Disease (HD)

An inherited degenerative disorder characterized by motor disturbances, mental deterioration, and abnormal behavior.

HD: Signs and Symptoms

Involuntary, purposeless, rapid, jerky motions, also known as chorea, affecting the arms and face.

HD Etiology

A genetic disease that is inherited.

HD: Brain Changes

HD affects nerves in the brain (frontal cortex and basal ganglia), causing them to atrophy and ventricles to dilate.

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HD Treatment

Treatment focuses on slowing disease progression and managing complications with speech, occupational, and physical therapy.

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Massage Considerations for HD

Massage should be geared towards palliative care and focus on client comfort, considering alternative positions and using cushions.

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HD & Passive Stretching

Compromised bone integrity means passive stretching and joint movements should be omitted or cautiously applied, given mobility impairments.

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HD & Communication

If a client cannot speak well, the therapist must devise a code to communicate, such as raising a finger for yes or blinking for no.

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Study Notes

  • Huntington Disease (HD), also known as Huntington Chorea or Chronic Chorea, is an inherited degenerative disorder
  • HD is characterized by motor disturbances, mental deterioration, and abnormal behavior
  • Nerves in specific parts of the brain (frontal cortex and basal ganglia) begin to atrophy
  • Ventricles become dilated
  • Initial signs may not be evident until the afflicted person is in their 40s
  • The trait may be passed to the victim’s children
  • Once symptoms appear, the condition rapidly progresses
  • Death usually occurs within 15 to 20 years of diagnosis
  • HD affects approximately 5 per 100,000 people in the United States

Etiology

  • HD is a genetic disease that is inherited

Signs and Symptoms

  • The affected person experiences involuntary, purposeless, and rapid or jerky motions (chorea) of the arms and face
  • Initially, the movements are mild, ranging from flexing and extending fingers, to raising and lowering the shoulders, to tongue smacking, to grimacing
  • Eventually, choreiform movements affect the entire body and cause postural instability
  • Speech difficulties are common
  • Mental and emotional processes become impaired, followed by progressive dementia

Treatment

  • There is no successful treatment of HD
  • Measures are taken to slow disease progression and manage complications
  • These measures often include the services of a speech therapist and occupational or physical therapist

Massage Considerations

  • HD is a debilitating disorder, massage is geared toward palliative care
  • Inquire about positions that are most comfortable for the client, which may include the use of cushions to ensure comfort
  • Alternative positions include seated or side-lying positions
  • Passive stretching and joint movements should be omitted or cautiously applied, given that clients with mobility impairments often have compromised bone integrity
  • If the client uses a wheelchair, the massage might be performed while the client is in the chair
  • If the client is unable to speak well, the therapist and client need to devise a code to communicate effectively, such as raising a finger or blinking the eyes

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