A continuing medical education (CME)-certified clinical practice assessment consisting of 24 multiple-choice questions on knowledge, competence, and confidence was made available to neurologists in the United States. The questions were based on clinical trials, guidelines, and expert faculty recommendations regarding the appropriate recognition and management of HD. The program posted on the Medscape Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ website on November 8, 2019, with responses collected through January 27, 2020.

A total of 150 neurologists completed the self-assessment during the study period. 41% of neurologists reported being “not confident” or “slightly confident” regarding their knowledge of the pathophysiology of HD, although 88% of these neurologists correctly identified the cause of HD. Although 89% of neurologists correctly identified that HD is an autosomal dominant condition, only 52% correctly identified the number of CAG trinucleotide repeats associated with a confirmatory diagnosis of HD. 48% reported being “not confident” or “slightly confident” regarding their knowledge of symptom management in HD, while 63% of neurologists correctly identified the common symptoms of HD and its management. Importantly, only 17% of neurologists correctly answered questions about disease modifying therapies being studies for HD.

This research yielded important insights into current clinical knowledge and confidence gaps of neurologists regarding the management of HD. Future efforts to address current knowledge gaps  and increase awareness are imperative to optimize care for this unrelenting disease.