In House M.D., which medical condition does Thirteen inherit a risk for from her mother?

In House M.D., Thirteen inherits a risk for Huntington’s disease from her mother.

Remy “Thirteen” Hadley learns that she carries the genetic mutation associated with Huntington’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Her mother died from the condition, making the diagnosis both a medical fact and a deeply personal storyline for the character.

Huntington’s disease is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene and is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. A person who carries the relevant expanded allele has a substantial risk of developing the disorder, although the timing and severity of symptoms can vary.

The show uses Thirteen’s diagnosis to explore genetic testing, uncertain prognosis, and difficult reproductive decisions. It is not the same as merely having a family history: Thirteen’s storyline centers on confirmed carrier status and the implications of that result.