Chorea minor

Chorea Minor

Chorea minor, also known as Sydenham's chorea, is a neurological disorder characterized by rapid, uncoordinated jerking movements primarily affecting the face, hands, and feet. It is most commonly seen in children and is associated with rheumatic fever, a complication of streptococcal infections.

Etiology

Chorea minor is primarily caused by an autoimmune response following infection with Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. The body's immune system mistakenly attacks the basal ganglia, a group of nuclei in the brain responsible for motor control, leading to the characteristic movements of chorea.

Clinical Features

The symptoms of chorea minor typically appear several weeks to months after the initial streptococcal infection. Key clinical features include:

• Involuntary Movements: Rapid, irregular, and unpredictable movements that can affect any part of the body but are most common in the face, hands, and feet.
• Muscle Weakness: Patients may experience a decrease in muscle strength, particularly in the hands.
• Emotional Lability: Mood swings and emotional instability are common, with patients often displaying inappropriate laughter or crying.
• Behavioral Changes: Some patients may exhibit obsessive-compulsive behaviors or other psychiatric symptoms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of chorea minor is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic movements and history of recent streptococcal infection. Supporting evidence may include:

• Throat Culture or Rapid Antigen Test: To confirm recent streptococcal infection.
• Antistreptolysin O (ASO) Titer: Elevated levels indicate a recent streptococcal infection.
• Neuroimaging: MRI may be used to rule out other causes of chorea but is not typically necessary for diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment of chorea minor focuses on managing symptoms and addressing the underlying streptococcal infection:

• Antibiotics: Penicillin or other appropriate antibiotics to eradicate the streptococcal infection.
• Anti-inflammatory Medications: Corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation and immune response.
• Symptomatic Treatment: Medications such as haloperidol or valproic acid may be used to control severe choreic movements.

Prognosis

The prognosis for chorea minor is generally good, with most patients experiencing a complete resolution of symptoms within 6 months to 2 years. However, some may have persistent symptoms or develop rheumatic heart disease as a complication of rheumatic fever.

Also see

• Rheumatic fever
• Basal ganglia
• Autoimmune disorders
• Group A streptococcal infection

edit 

WikiMD neurology

External links

• Comprehensive information from the National Institute of health.
  

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z