Editing Chorea

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{{Infobox medical condition
| name                    = Chorea
| image                   = [[File:Hereditary_chorea,_year_5.jpg|250px]]
| caption                 = A patient exhibiting symptoms of hereditary chorea
| field                   = [[Neurology]]
| symptoms                = [[Involuntary movements]], [[muscle weakness]], [[clumsiness]]
| complications           = [[Falls]], [[injuries]], [[social isolation]]
| onset                   = Varies by type; can be [[childhood]] or [[adulthood]]
| duration                = Can be [[chronic]] or [[progressive]]
| types                   = [[Huntington's disease]], [[Sydenham's chorea]], [[Chorea gravidarum]]
| causes                  = [[Genetic mutations]], [[autoimmune reactions]], [[pregnancy]]
| risks                   = [[Family history]], [[rheumatic fever]], [[pregnancy]]
| diagnosis               = [[Clinical examination]], [[genetic testing]], [[imaging studies]]
| differential            = [[Tardive dyskinesia]], [[athetosis]], [[dystonia]]
| prevention              = Depends on type; [[genetic counseling]] for hereditary forms
| treatment               = [[Medications]], [[physical therapy]], [[occupational therapy]]
| medication              = [[Tetrabenazine]], [[antipsychotics]], [[benzodiazepines]]
| prognosis               = Varies; [[progressive]] in some forms like [[Huntington's disease]]
| frequency               = Rare; varies by type
}}
==Chorea==
[[File:Hereditary chorea, year 5.jpg|thumb|300px|Hereditary_chorea,_year_5]]
Chorea is a neurological condition characterized by involuntary, irregular muscle movements that are brief, non-repetitive, and unpredictable. This disorder affects the body's motor functions, leading to fluid and dance-like movements that can impact various parts of the body. Chorea is notably associated with [[Huntington's disease]], but it can also arise from a variety of other conditions.
==Causes==
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Chorea can be caused by several factors, including:
* Genetic disorders, with [[Huntington's disease]] being the most well-known cause.
* Autoimmune diseases, such as [[Sydenham's chorea]], which is associated with rheumatic fever.
* Metabolic disorders.
* Drug-induced chorea, resulting from the side effects of certain medications.
* Infections and other conditions affecting the brain.
==Symptoms==
Symptoms of chorea include:
* Involuntary movements that are rapid, jerky, and unpredictable.
* Muscle weakness and coordination problems.
* Difficulty maintaining posture and balance.
* Changes in gait and facial expressions.
===Diagnosis===
Diagnosis of chorea involves:
* Clinical evaluation of the symptoms.
* Neurological examination.
* Genetic testing, especially for conditions like Huntington's disease.
* Imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, to observe brain structure and function.
* Blood tests to identify possible metabolic or autoimmune causes.
===Treatment===
While there is no cure for chorea, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and may include:
* Medications to reduce involuntary movements, such as antipsychotics or benzodiazepines.
* Therapies to improve motor skills and manage physical symptoms.
* Supportive care for emotional and psychological well-being.
===Association with Huntington's Disease===
Huntington's disease is a genetic disorder that leads to the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain. Chorea is a hallmark symptom of Huntington's, along with cognitive decline and psychiatric issues. Understanding and managing chorea is crucial in the overall care for patients with Huntington's disease.
==External Links==
* [https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Chorea-Information-Page National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) - Chorea Information Page]
* [https://hdsa.org/ Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA)]
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
[[Category:Symptoms and signs: Nervous system]]
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