Hung-up Knee Jerk in Huntington’s Disease
A 54-year-old woman presented to the neurology clinic with progressively worsening gait disturbance over the course of 2 years. She had a history of hypothyroidism after a thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer; she was currently euthyroid while receiving levothyroxine therapy. Physical examination revealed generalized chorea, motor impersistence of tongue protrusion, mild dementia, disinhibition, irritability, and deep-tendon hyperreflexia. Notably, her legs remained extended for several seconds after stimulation of the patellar tendon, a finding referred to as the hung-up knee jerk (see video). A magnetic resonance image of the head showed slight atrophy of the caudate nuclei, and genetic testing revealed expanded CAG repeats in HTT, a finding consistent with the diagnosis of Huntington’s disease. In addition to occurring in some patients with Huntington’s disease, the hung-up knee jerk can also be observed in patients with Sydenham’s chorea or benign hereditary chorea and must be distinguished from the delayed relaxation of deep-tendon reflexes that can be seen in patients with hypothyroidism. The patient was treated with haloperidol, and the hung-up knee jerk resolved.
Four years ago, my life changed when I was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease. As time went on, the symptoms progressed faster than I expected. Despite trying multiple prescription medications, my coordination worsened, involuntary movements increased, and everyday tasks became more challenging. Emotionally and physically, it felt like I was losing control of my life. Last year, after a lot of research and hesitation, I decided to explore an alternative route and enrolled in a herbal treatment program with NaturePath Herbal Clinic. I didn’t expect much at first, but after several months, I began to experience meaningful improvements. My movements became more controlled, the constant jerking reduced significantly, and my balance improved. I also noticed a boost in my stamina and mental clarity, which helped restore my confidence and independence. Today, I feel stronger and more hopeful than I have in years. While I understand that every condition and person is different, this experience has truly made a difference in my quality of life. If you or someone close to you is living with Huntington’s disease and searching for additional support options, it may be worth learning more about their natural approach. Website: www.naturepathherbalclinic.com Email: info@naturepathherbalclinic.com
