exudates and Huntington-Disease

A 32-year-old Chinese lady presented to the Psychiatric Clinic with a history of change in personality for 2 years and abnormal movements for a year. After thorough investigations and observation a diagnosis of Huntington's Disease was made. Her elder brother was traced and found to have Huntington's Disease as well. He had a long standing history of antisocial behaviour and substance abuse long before the onset of the choreiform movements. Her younger brother also has choreiform movements for the last 2 years and had recent change in personality. Their mother also had abnormal movements and was recorded to be depressed and attempted suicide. The maternal grandfather had a mental illness and was warded at a mental institution till his death in 1942. Psychiatric presentation of Huntington's Disease in this Malaysian family is prominent and preceded the characteristic movements in the present generation.

Topics: Adult; Depression; Female; Humans; Huntington Disease; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged

Huntington disease has not previously been recorded in Malaysia. We report the first case in a local patient with a positive family history. The implications of diagnosing this disease will be discussed.

Topics: Adult; Dementia; Ethnicity; Female; Humans; Huntington Disease; Malaysia; Male; Pedigree; Sex Chromosome Aberrations