Treatment and therapy of Hutington's disease can be classified into two: medically and non - medically. Some sources also suggest that gene therapy may also be an option in dealing with Huntington's disease. According to the Journal of Biological Chemistry, published in June 2009, explaining that a researcher has mengultur a cell that shows the formation of a gene RCAN known as RCAN-1L, these genes dramatically decreased in the brains of Huntington's disease. RCAN-1L was first discovered in the laboratory of the journal writer. Investigation of the study also showed an increase in the level of RCAN- 1L which later can save cells from the toxic effects of Huntington's disease, possibly sometime this gene may be one of the new therapies in dealing with Huntington's disease.
Medically Treatment
Medically, there is no definite cure or specific treatment for Huntington's disease. However, some symptomatic treatment can be given to treat motor disorders and psychiatric patients. Some interventions can be done to help people to be able to adapt to change and the inability of the body's functions early on. Treatment for this disease is still in the developmental stage. However, be aware that the drugs used to treat symptoms also have side effects that can exacerbate other symptoms.
Medically, there is no definite cure or specific treatment for Huntington's disease. However, some symptomatic treatment can be given to treat motor disorders and psychiatric patients. Some interventions can be done to help people to be able to adapt to change and the inability of the body's functions early on. Treatment for this disease is still in the developmental stage. However, be aware that the drugs used to treat symptoms also have side effects that can exacerbate other symptoms.
Some medications that can be used in motor disorders consist of
a) tetrabenazine (Xenazine) is a specific drug in suppressing a jolt or writhing movements that involuntar. Serious side effects of this drug can be a risk factor in exacerbating or event triggers depression or some other psychiatric conditions.
b) Antipsychotic drugs, such as haloperidol (Haldol) and clozapine (Clozaril) has the effect to suppress the movement. This medicine is usually used for the treatment of chorea. These drugs worsen involuntary contractions (dystonia) and muscle stiffness.
c) Other drugs can also be used as a medication to help suppress patients 'chorea', dystonia and muscle rigidity such as anti-seizure medications such as clonazepam (Klonopin) and anti-seizure medications such as diazepam (Valium). Such drugs can impair consciousness and has the effect of dependency and easy to abuse. In addition, treatment of psychiatric disorders is also needed.
a) tetrabenazine (Xenazine) is a specific drug in suppressing a jolt or writhing movements that involuntar. Serious side effects of this drug can be a risk factor in exacerbating or event triggers depression or some other psychiatric conditions.
b) Antipsychotic drugs, such as haloperidol (Haldol) and clozapine (Clozaril) has the effect to suppress the movement. This medicine is usually used for the treatment of chorea. These drugs worsen involuntary contractions (dystonia) and muscle stiffness.
c) Other drugs can also be used as a medication to help suppress patients 'chorea', dystonia and muscle rigidity such as anti-seizure medications such as clonazepam (Klonopin) and anti-seizure medications such as diazepam (Valium). Such drugs can impair consciousness and has the effect of dependency and easy to abuse. In addition, treatment of psychiatric disorders is also needed.
Medication on psychiatric disorders can vary, depending on the signs and symptoms that occur. Management of psychiatric disorders may include :
a) antidepressants like escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem) and sertraline (Zoloft). These drugs have an effect in dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The side effects of this drug are nausea, diarrhea, sleep disturbances and sexual problems.
b ) Antipsychotic drugs can suppress outbursts, agitation, and some showed symptoms of mood disorders / feeling or condition of psychosis.
c ) mood controlling drugs, can prevent the occurrence of elevation and decreased association of bipolar disorder as lithium (Lithobid) and anticonvulsants, such as valproac acid (Depakene), divalproex (Depakote) and lamotrigine (Lamictal). Common side effects are weight gain, tremor, and gastrointestinal problems. Routine blood tests performed before the use of lithium is important because it may cause interference or thyroid and kidney problems.
Non - Medically Treatment
Non - medically treatment can be done with physiotherapy, psychiatric counseling (psychotherap), and occupational therapy. The role of a psychotherapist / psychiatrist needed in helping patients to deal with behavioral problems (behavior disorder), can provide strategic inputs, giving hope for the disease and undergoing treatment can be an effective facilitator among family members of patients.
In addition, the role of a occupational physiotherapist and also not less important, they can help people in the teaching of safe exercises or movements that can improve strength, flexibility, balance and motor coordination. This exercise can keep the body movement of the motor so as to reduce fall risk factors. Instruction of teaching posture control is safe and appropriate to increase awareness of movement disorders (movement disorder) and may reduce the severity of movement disorders. The use of a walker or a wheelchair is required in patients, a physiotherapist will give appropriate instructions to use these tools.
Keep in mind that Huntington's disease significantly impairs the control of the muscles of the mouth and throat that are critical to the process of speaking, eating and swallowing. A speech therapist can help the patient to improve the speech to make it more clear or can improve the ability to use the tools of communication also increases the body's ability to use the muscles of mastication to the process of eating and swallowing.
Related Articles
1. History and Etiology of Huntington's Disease
2. Pathophysiology of Huntington's Disease
3. Clinical Manifestations of Huntington's Disease
