A case of Huntington's chorea in a Nigerian and the sociocultural factors associated with its diagnosis and management

Abstract

Three cases of Huntington's chorea have previously been reported from Nigeria. A fourth case, in a Nigerian female with a positive family history over three generations, is now reported. The difficulties, attributable to sociocultural factors, encountered in eliciting the family history, and ways used to overcome them are discussed. Since these difficulties may not be realised by many physicians in Nigeria, cases of this disease are not likely to be recognised. Accordingly correct estimation of the prevalence of Huntington's chorea in Nigeria would be impossible.