INFORMATION ON SYDENHAM CHOREA

Sydenham chorea also known as Streptococcal pharyngitis 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 but it may also occur later in life or be associated with pregnancy. Girls are affected more often than boys.

SYNONYMS OF SYDENHAM CHOREA

Synonyms and related keywords:

1. Rheumatic fever.
2. Benign hereditary chorea.
3. Neuroacanthocytosis.
4. Wilson's disease.
5. Paroxysmal dyskinesias.
6. Rheumatic heart disease.
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CAUSES OF SYDENHAM CHOREA

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 Sydenham chorea is one of the major signs of acute rheumatic fever.

SYMPTOMS OF SYDENHAM CHOREA

Symptoms of Sydenham chorea:

1. Muscle weakness.
2. Hypotonia.
3. Clumsiness.
4. Restlessness.
5. Facial grimacing.
6. Incoordination of movements.
7. Onset of uncontrollable movements.
8. Movements are jerky and purposeless.
9. Loss of fine motor control.
10. Emotional lability with bouts of inappropriate crying or laughing.
11. Any other signs of rheumatic fever.

DIAGNOSIS OF SYDENHAM CHOREA

Test under diagnosis are:

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

TREATMENT OF SYDENHAM CHOREA

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.