St. Vitus dance

St. Vitus Dance St. Vitus Dance, also known as Sydenham's chorea, is a disorder characterized by rapid, uncoordinated jerking movements primarily affecting the face, hands, and feet. It is a neurological condition that is often associated with rheumatic fever, a complication of streptococcal infections such as strep throat.

History

St. Vitus Dance was first described in the 17th century and is named after St. Vitus, the patron saint of dancers. The condition was historically associated with outbreaks of mass hysteria and dancing mania in medieval Europe.

Causes

The primary cause of St. Vitus Dance is believed to be an autoimmune reaction following a streptococcal infection. The body's immune system mistakenly attacks the basal ganglia, a group of structures in the brain responsible for movement control.

Symptoms

Symptoms of St. Vitus Dance include:

• Rapid, involuntary movements of the face, hands, and feet
• Muscle weakness
• Emotional instability
• Difficulty with fine motor tasks

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of St. Vitus Dance is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic movements and a history of recent streptococcal infection. Additional tests may include:

• Blood tests for evidence of recent streptococcal infection
• MRI or CT scans to rule out other neurological conditions

Treatment

Treatment for St. Vitus Dance focuses on managing symptoms and addressing the underlying infection. Options include:

• Antibiotics to treat the streptococcal infection
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Medications to control movement symptoms, such as anticonvulsants or antipsychotics

Prognosis

The prognosis for St. Vitus Dance is generally good, with most patients experiencing a full recovery within a few months. However, some individuals may have persistent symptoms or experience recurrences.

See Also

• Rheumatic fever
• Basal ganglia
• Autoimmune disorders
• Jones, T. D. (1944). "The Diagnosis of Rheumatic Fever." *Journal of the American Medical Association*.
• Swedo, S. E., Leonard, H. L., & Rapoport, J. L. (1994). "The Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infection (PANDAS) Subgroup: Separating Fact from Fiction." *Pediatrics*.

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on St. Vitus dance

St. Vitus dance is a rare disease.