INFECTIOUS CHOREA

INFECTIOUS CHOREA

Overview and Facts

Infectious chorea is defined by repetitive, brief, irregular, somewhat rapid, involuntary movements that usually involve the face, mouth, trunk, and limbs. This condition may be due to an infection. In childhood, the most frequent cause of acute chorea is Sydenham’s chorea, following beta-hemolytic streptococcal group A infection.

This condition refers to a group of nervous system (neurological) conditions that cause abnormal movements. It is called “movement disorders”. The abnormality of the movements can be voluntary or involuntary. Movement disorders can also cause weakened or slow movements.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

As chorea progresses, concentration on intellectual tasks becomes increasingly difficult. It may affect the individual’s judgment, memory, and other cognitive functions. Early signs might include having trouble driving, learning new things, remembering a fact, answering a question, or making a decision. Some may even display changes in handwriting.

In some cases, the disease may begin with uncontrolled movements in the fingers, feet, face, or trunk. This can be a sign of chorea. Chorea can also begin with mild clumsiness or trouble with balance. Some people develop choreic movements later after the disease has progressed. They may stumble or show no coordination. Chorea often creates serious problems with walking, increasing the likelihood of falls.

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Step I: Decide the dominant type of movement disorder

Step II: Make a differential diagnosis of the particular disorder

Step II: Confirm the diagnosis by lab tests:

  • Metabolic screening
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • CSF examination
  • Genetics
  • Imaging
  • Neurophysiological tests
  • Pharmacological tests

 

TREATMENT

There is no average course of treatment for chorea. Treatment depends on the type of chorea and related disease. Treatment for Huntington’s disease is supportive. Sydenham’s chorea usually reacts to antibiotic drugs to treat the infection, followed by drug therapy to avoid recurrence.

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