Chorea

Chorea: causes, symptoms and treatment

Chorea is a nervous disease that is manifested by involuntary rapid jerking movements. This condition is most often observed in children and young people suffering from rheumatism. In this case, the chorea is called minor chorea or “St. Vitus’s dance.”

Chorea can begin against the background of obvious manifestations of rheumatism with damage to the heart and joints, as well as in cases of latent, sluggish rheumatism. First, the child experiences increased fatigue and decreased attention, then weak, involuntary, inconspicuous movements appear, due to which the patient writes sloppily, drops objects, spills tea and soup.

Soon the jerking movements become more rough, and those around them notice how the patient’s arm and leg suddenly twitch. Involuntary movements of the facial muscles create the impression of grimacing and antics.

Since chorea develops against the background of rheumatism, such patients, as a rule, are registered at the dispensary even before the appearance of nervous complications and must strictly follow all the advice and prescriptions of the doctor. If specialists decide that it is necessary to remove the tonsils, this operation should be performed immediately.

With systematic preventive treatment of rheumatism, chorea, as a rule, does not occur. If chorea has begun, then with timely treatment it goes away completely. Chorea can also appear during pregnancy, especially in the first half. It usually turns out that these women suffer from rheumatism or frequent sore throats, and some have had chorea in the past.

With timely referral of such patients to the antenatal clinic, it is possible to prevent the development of chorea. However, chorea can occur in middle-aged and elderly people, in this case having a hereditary origin (Huntington's chorea). Sometimes it develops due to cerebral atherosclerosis. In these cases, involuntary movements involve not only the muscles of the limbs and torso, but also the tongue.

The patient has difficulty speaking, eating, and walking. Mental abilities also deteriorate. All this leads to disability. As the disease progresses, such patients require care.

Chorea is usually treated with antipsychotic drugs such as haloperidol, tetrabenazine and other drugs that help reduce involuntary movements. However, the choice of medication and dosage must be individualized for each patient, and treatment must be carried out under the supervision of a physician.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary, such as removing the tonsils, if they are the source of the infection causing rheumatism. Deep brain stimulation may also be used to help reduce involuntary movements.

For hereditary Huntington's chorea, treatment is aimed at improving the patient's quality of life, since this disease is incurable. Such patients are advised to seek help from a psychologist or psychiatrist, as well as social workers who can help cope with emotional and social problems associated with the disease.

Overall, chorea is a serious condition that can be disabling, so it is important to seek medical attention promptly and follow your doctor's orders. Systematic preventive control of rheumatism can also help prevent the development of chorea.



**Chorea** is a neurological disorder that manifests itself in the form of involuntary, jerking movements. Chorea can range from a mild form, where movements are observed in people, like an outbreak of sudden neurological disorder, to a severe form, in which medical intervention is required.

There are two types of chorea: _Huntington's chorea_ and _Hakim-Gutierrez chorea_. _Huntinggon's chorea_ is a chronic nervous disease, inherited and characterized by intense and dystonic movements of the limbs. Bo



Chorea is a genetically determined neurodegenerative process associated with dysregulation of nerve cell growth, which manifests itself in the development of erratic, non-rhythmic and uncoordinated motor behavior. It leads to loss of motor abilities, problems with coordination and impaired gait.

Chorea usually manifests as symptoms associated with involuntary jumping, flailing, and uncontrolled movements of the arms and legs. Symptoms can range from mild motor rigidity to severe uncontrolled movements that are disabling.

One of the most common manifestations of chorea is an involuntary shaking of the eyeball, known as a myoclonic tic. This condition can cause problems with reading, driving, and other