Huntington's Disease & Ataxia
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Why choose UCSF Health for Huntington's disease or ataxia care?
UCSF Health provides expert, compassionate care to patients and families with or at risk for Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxias, other hereditary ataxias or sporadic neurodegenerative ataxias, such as multiple system atrophy.
Our team works closely with UCSF Health's movement disorder specialists and other experts, providing you with comprehensive care.
The challenges of living with a degenerative movement disorder extend beyond the symptoms of the disease, so we offer a range of supportive services. Comprehensive care also includes support for your family and caregivers. At UCSF Health, our long-term approach means we serve as your partner for life.
Why choose UCSF Health for Huntington's disease or ataxia care?
UCSF Health provides expert, compassionate care to patients and families with or at risk for Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxias, other hereditary ataxias or sporadic neurodegenerative ataxias, such as multiple system atrophy.
Our team works closely with UCSF Health's movement disorder specialists and other experts, providing you with comprehensive care.
The challenges of living with a degenerative movement disorder extend beyond the symptoms of the disease, so we offer a range of supportive services. Comprehensive care also includes support for your family and caregivers. At UCSF Health, our long-term approach means we serve as your partner for life.
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Support for families
Your family receives emotional support, education on disease progression, guidance on home health care and connections to condition-specific advocacy groups.Holistic care
We care for your overall well-being, not just your condition. You receive expert help for your emotional, practical and long-term needs.Experienced providers
As a top referral hospital in the region, we have the experience that gives us deep expertise in providing the right care options for you.Access to the latest therapies
We actively connect interested patients with research studies, providing opportunities for you to try innovative therapies being tested.
Complete care for Huntington's disease and ataxia at UCSF Health
Your care team includes experts in neurology, genetics, physical therapy, nursing and social work. We collaborate with you and your caregivers to create a personalized and comprehensive care plan. You receive a full range of treatment and support services, including:
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Genetic counseling and testing
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Symptom management with medications and procedural therapies, such as botulinum toxin injections
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Education and prognosis counseling
At UCSF Health, you also have access to additional supportive services, including:
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Occupational and speech therapy
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Nutrition counseling
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Psychiatric care
Clinical trial and research opportunities
There are many active studies focused on understanding, treating and slowing progression of Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia and multiple system atrophy. If you are eligible, we can help you find clinical trial opportunities through our work with:
To learn more about clinical trials and other research, please email us at [email protected].
Support for families and caregivers
The connections and services we offer to families are an important part of your care. Our dedicated social workers support your entire family by providing:
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Disability application assistance
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Emotional support during visits, including separate meetings with caregivers
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Financial support counseling
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Guidance for finding in-home help
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Support group connections
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Therapist referrals
Providers
Cameron Dietiker, MD
Movement Disorders Neurology
Michael D. Geschwind, MD, PhD
Neurology • Memory and Cognitive Disorders Neurology
Alexandra B. Nelson, MD, PhD
Neurology
Jamie C. Fong, MS
Genetic Counselor
Award-winning care
Best in the West and No. 2 in the nation for neurology & neurosurgery
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Ataxia
- Huntington's Disease
- Multiple System Atrophy
Treatments
- Genetic Counseling
- Palliative Care
- Physical Therapy
- Speech Therapy
Accreditations & memberships
Huntington's Disease Society of AmericaOpens in a new window
We’re a recognized center of excellence by the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA).National Ataxia FoundationOpens in a new window
We’re a recognized center of excellence by the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF).
Research initiatives
Enroll-HDOpens in a new window
Enroll-HD collects long-term data from Huntington's disease families. It supports families, clinicians, researchers and advocates in the HD community.Clinical Research Consortium for the Study of Cerebellar Ataxia (CRC-SCA)Opens in a new window
CRC-SCA tracks how cerebellar ataxia progresses and helps improve treatments. It currently enrolls people with RFC1 mutations (CANVAS).UCSF Memory and Aging Center ResearchOpens in a new window
The UCSF Memory and Aging Center conducts research to test potential new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, as well as studies aimed at improving understanding of these conditions.
Huntington's disease resources
- Family Caregiver Alliance
- HD Trialfinder
- Help4HD
- Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA)
- Huntington's disease support groups (HDSA)
- Huntington's disease support groups (UCSF)
- Huntington's Disease Youth Organization
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- Social Security Administration's Compassionate Allowances Information (Huntington's disease)
- Wallet-size "I have Huntington's disease" card (PDF)
Ataxia resources
- Ataxia educational webinars (NAF)
- Ataxia product marketplace (NAF)
- Ataxia support groups (NAF)
- Ataxia treatment pipeline (NAF)
- Clinical trials and research studies (NAF)
- National Ataxia Foundation (NAF)
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- SCAsource: ataxia research news (NAF)
- Wallet-size "I have ataxia" card (PDF)
Support services
Case Management and Social Work
Connect with a team that can help you find resources, solve problems and advocate for you during treatment at UCSF.
Memory & Aging Disorders Support Groups
Find support for caregivers, families and patients dealing with dementia, early-onset Alzheimer's, Huntington's disease and more.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class
This eight-week class teaches mindfulness practices that can reduce stress and improve your overall health, such as meditation and body awareness.
Patient Relations
We welcome feedback about your experience at UCSF Health. Find out how to contact us with comments, questions or concerns.
Spiritual Care at UCSF
Chaplains representing many faiths are available around the clock to provide support, comfort and counsel to patients, families and caregivers.