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About Huntington’s
Disease Chorea

Chorea is a defining symptom of HD because it is so common and is often the first visible symptom.

What does HD chorea look like?

  • Uncontrolled twisting or jerking
  • Finger flicking
  • Shoulder shrugging
  • Facial twisting
  • Flailing arms or legs
  • Excessive blinking

These movements can be large or small and tend to get worse with stress.
They can also worsen or change over time.

Chorea isn't just the most
common symptom of HD
—for many, it is also
considered one of the
most impactful

In a survey,

90 percent

of people with HD experienced
chorea during their journey

99 percent

of people with HD chorea in the survey
required assistance with some
activities of self-care†

*In an HDSA survey, HD patients and caregivers were asked to identify HD symptoms that had the biggest impact on daily life. Of 2591 respondents, 30% of caregivers and 17% of HD patients reported chorea symptoms as the most impactful.

†Results based on a survey of 144 healthcare providers and 427 people with HD.

When chorea gets worse, it can make everyday
activities and self-care more difficult, such as:

Walking &
balance
Talking &
swallowing
Bathing &
getting
dressed
Shopping &
other daily
activities

According to one survey, most people with
HD and their caregivers said it was very
important to manage chorea.

Loss of independence was one of the most
common reasons given for saying that chorea
was important to treat.

Learn about chorea treatment

How and when to talk to your care team about chorea

You don’t have to just cope with the impact of unwanted movements.
Treating your chorea with medication may help reduce the movements.

Let your care team know if your uncontrolled movements have led to:

Embarrassment
Injuries or falls
Difficulties with
activies of daily living
Getting dressed, bathing,
eating
Weight loss
Problems
falling asleep
Actor portrayal of an HD patient and their caregiver having a productive conversation with a doctor
Actor portrayals

Need help starting the conversation with your care team?

Download tips on how to talk about your symptoms and learn about a treatment option for HD chorea.

Use a Doctor Discussion Guide

What steps have you taken to manage your HD chorea?

Answer this 1-question poll about HD chorea management.

Select all that apply:

Please select an option


Your privacy is important, and your participation is voluntary. Poll response(s) will be displayed in aggregate and will not personally identify any
individual participant. By participating, you are confirming that you understand and agree to the Privacy Policy (opens in a new tab) and Terms and Conditions (opens in a new tab).

POLL RESULTSWhat steps have you taken to manage your HD chorea?

Researched chorea to learn more

0%

Tracked chorea movements that
I have seen/experienced

0%

Talked about chorea and its
challenges with my care team

0%

Discussed treatment options
for chorea with my care team

0%

Treated my HD chorea with
prescription medication

0%

None of the above

0%

Learning about HD chorea is a great first step!
Remember, you don’t have to just cope with the impact of unwanted movements.
Treating your chorea with medication may help reduce the movements.

Learn about your treatment options

Way to advocate for yourself!
Did you know that VMAT2 inhibitors are FDA-approved
medications used to treat HD chorea?

Learn about VMAT2 inhibitors

It’s important to educate yourself about all the symptoms of HD, even
the ones you’re not currently experiencing.
Knowing what to expect may help you or your loved one notice any
changes early, allowing your care team to act earlier, too.

Learn how symptoms are managed

Treatment for HD chorea
is available

Explore an option   (opens in a new tab)