Which movement abnormality is most classically associated with Huntington's disease?

• A. Dystonia
• B. Athetosis
• C. Tics
• D. Chorea

Answer: (D)

Movement abnormalities in Huntington’s disease are best remembered as chorea—the classic, irregular, dance‑like involuntary movements that shift from one body part to another. This hyperkinetic presentation comes from degeneration of striatal neurons in the indirect pathway, which normally helps dampen movement. When those neurons die, thalamocortical motor activity becomes disinhibited, producing the characteristic quick, unpredictable movements of chorea.

Dystonia involves sustained muscle contractions causing abnormal postures, which can occur in various conditions but is not the hallmark of Huntington’s. Athetosis refers to slow, writhing movements and can be seen in Huntington’s as part of the spectrum, but chorea is the most classic description. Tics are sudden, repetitive, stereotyped movements often associated with Tourette syndrome, not Huntington’s disease.