INFORMATION ON CHOREA

Jerky body movements is a situation in which uncontrolled, purposeless, speedy motions interrupt normal movement or posture.

CAUSES OF CHOREA

There are many possible reason of unpredictable, jumpy movements, including Sydenham's chorea, Huntington disease and other rare disorders. Some medical illnesses that can cause chorea include anti-cardiolipin antibody syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosis, polycythemia rubra vera, stroke, thyroid disease, and disorders of calcium, glucose or sodium metabolism.
Some medicines such as anti-psychotic drugs, can cause tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder which may consist of choreic movements. Hardly ever, it is inherited in the syndrome called benign hereditary chorea.This is called chorea gravidarum.

SYMPTOMS OF CHOREA

Usual movements of chorea (called tics) include facial grimacing, raising and lowering the shoulders, bending and extending the fingers and toes. The condition may affect one or both sides of the body.

These involuntary movements are usually not cyclic and can appear purposeful even though they are spontaneous and uncontrollable. A person with chorea may be viewed as nervous or restless.

TREATMENT OF CHOREA

Therapy is designed at identifying and treating the underlying reason. If Chorea is due to medication, the drug should not to given if possible. If it is due to medical disease, the disorder should be treated. If the movements are harsh and disruptive, medications such as amantadine or tetrabenazine may help control the movements.

Safety measures should also be taken to reduce the likelihood of injury from the reflex movements.