Chorea

Chorea is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, rapid, and irregular jerky movements that can affect various parts of the body, including the face, limbs, and trunk. These movements are often unpredictable and can interfere with normal activities such as walking, eating, or speaking.

Causes

Chorea can be caused by several underlying conditions:

• Genetic Disorders: The most well-known genetic cause of chorea is Huntington’s disease, a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder. Other genetic conditions, like Wilson’s disease, can also result in chorea.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Chorea can occur following infections like streptococcal throat infection, leading to a condition known as Sydenham’s chorea, often seen in children.
• Metabolic or Endocrine Disorders: Conditions like hyperthyroidism or hypoglycemia can sometimes cause choreic movements.
• Brain Injury or Stroke: Damage to areas of the brain, particularly the basal ganglia, which controls movement, can lead to chorea.
• Medications: Certain drugs, particularly antipsychotics or anti-seizure medications, may induce chorea as a side effect.
• Infections: In rare cases, brain infections or post-infectious inflammation can trigger chorea.

Symptoms:

• Uncontrolled movements of the arms, legs, face, or torso.
• Difficulty with fine motor tasks (e.g., writing, buttoning clothes).
• Impaired speech and swallowing.
• Emotional instability and behavioral changes.

Treatment:

• Medications: Dopamine blockers (e.g., haloperidol) or medications like tetrabenazine can help control movements in conditions like Huntington’s disease.
• Management of underlying conditions: Treating the primary disorder, such as infection or thyroid imbalance, can help alleviate chorea.
• Physical and occupational therapy: These therapies can assist patients in managing movement difficulties and improving daily functioning.
• Supportive care: In cases like Sydenham’s chorea, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may be used to manage symptoms.