INFORMATION ON SAINT VITUS DANCE

Sydenham chorea, also called St. Vitus dance, is a childhood movement disorder characterized by rapid, irregular, aimless, involuntary movements of the muscles of the limbs, face, and trunk. Sydenham chorea disorder is considered a manifestation of rheumatic fever, typically has an onset between the ages of 5 and 15. Girls are affected more often than boys.

SYNONYMS OF SAINT VITUS DANCE

Synonyms and related keywords:

1. Rheumatic fever
2. Group A beta hemolytic streptococci
3. Group A streptococci
4. Streptococcal pharyngitis
5. Rheumatic heart disease

CAUSES OF SAINT VITUS DANCE

Sydenham chorea disorders are caused by over activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the areas of the brain that control movement.
Sydenham chorea is a type of chorea that is caused by the streptococcal bacteria. Chorea is a type of movement that results when nerve cells deteriorate in the brain

SYMPTOMS OF SAINT VITUS DANCE

Symptoms may include

1. Muscle weakness
2. Hypotonia
3. Clumsiness
4. Restlessness
5. Facial grimacing
6. Incoordination of movements

DIAGNOSIS OF SAINT VITUS DANCE

1. Physical examination.
2. Blood test
3. Ultrasound.

TREATMENT OF SAINT VITUS DANCE

Treatment is symptomatic and may include bed rest, sedatives, and the drug diazepam for controlling movements. Penicillin may also be prescribed for treatment of the fever or infection. Penicillin prophylaxis is often prescribed to avoid further infections with streptococcal bacteria. Drugs that are given to treat chorea suppress the activity of dopamine in the basal ganglia but may also produce such undesirable side effects as muscular rigidity or drowsiness.