Chorea

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Chorea
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
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 diagnosis	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
Deaths	N/A

Chorea

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

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

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) - Chorea Information Page
• Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA)

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