Chorea Health Dictionary

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Chorea: From 4 Different Sources

A condition characterized by irregular, rapid, jerky movements, usually affecting the face, limbs, and trunk.

It is a feature of Huntington’s disease and Sydenham’s chorea, and may occur in pregnancy.

Chorea may also be a side effect of certain drugs, including oral contraceptives; certain drugs for psychiatric disorders; and drugs for treating Parkinson’s disease.

Symptoms usually disappear when the drug is withdrawn.

Underlying causes of chorea are treated with drugs that inhibit nerve pathways concerned with movement.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
Chorea, or St Vitus’s dance, is the occurrence of short, purposeless involuntary movements of the face, head, hands and feet. Movements are sudden, but the affected person may hold the new posture for several seconds. Chorea is often accompanied by ATHETOSIS, when it is termed choreoathetosis. Choreic symptoms are often due to disease of the basal ganglion in the brain. The withdrawal of phenothiazines may cause the symptoms, as can the drugs used to treat PARKINSONISM. Types of chorea include HUNTINGTON’S CHOREA, an inherited disease, and SYDENHAM’S CHOREA, which is autoimmune. There is also a degenerative form – senile chorea.
Health Source: Herbal Medical
Author: Health Dictionary
A neuromuscular condition, with twitching and spastic muscle control.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. a jerky involuntary movement particularly affecting the head, face, or limbs. Each movement is sudden but the resulting posture may be prolonged for a few seconds. The symptoms are usually due to disease of the *basal ganglia but may result from drug therapy for *parkinsonism or phenothiazines. Such movements are characteristic of *Huntington’s disease, in which they are associated with progressive dementia. See also Sydenham’s chorea.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Sydenham’s Chorea

A rare childhood disorder of the central nervous system that causes involuntary jerky movements of the head, face, limbs, and fingers. Voluntary movements are clumsy, and the limbs become floppy. The disorder usually follows an attack of rheumatic fever.

Sydenham’s chorea usually clears up after 2–3 months and has no long-term adverse effects.... sydenham’s chorea

Chorea, Sydenham’s

A disease or syndrome of children, usually following or companion to rheumatic fever, and having involuntary movements, anxiety and impaired memory. It usually clears up in two or three months.... chorea, sydenham’s

Huntington’s Chorea

A hereditary disease characterised by involuntary movements and DEMENTIA. Each child of a parent with the disease has a 50:50 chance of developing it. Onset is most common between the ages of 35 and 45, but 10 per cent of cases occur under the age of 20. Some patients show more severe mental disturbance; others more severe disturbances of movement; but in all it pursues an inexorable downward course over a period of 10–20 years to a terminal state of physical and mental helplessness. It is estimated that there are around 6,000 cases in Britain. The defective gene (located on chromosome no. 4) has now been identi?ed and GENETIC SCREENING is possible for those at risk. People with Huntington’s chorea and their relatives can obtain help and guidance from Huntington’s Disease Association.... huntington’s chorea

Sydenham’s Chorea

Also called St Vitus’s dance, this type of CHOREA is a disease of the central nervous system that occurs after RHEUMATIC FEVER – up to six months later – and is probably an in?ammatory complication of a ?-haemolytic streptococcal infection (see STREPTOCOCCUS). The patient presents with jerky, purposeless, involuntary movements of a limb and tongue, similar to the symptoms of CEREBRAL PALSY. Chorea is best treated as a transitory reversible form of cerebral palsy. The disorder usually lasts 6–8 months and residual symptoms are rare.... sydenham’s chorea

Huntingdon’s Chorea

Degenerative disease of the cortex and basal ganglia of the brain with mental retardation, jerky movements of face and limbs. Onset: 30-45 years. Hereditary.

Differential diagnosis: arterio-sclerosis, Sydenham’s chorea.

Action. Emotional instability ranging from apathy to irritability. Complicated by menstrual problems (Motherwort, Helonias, Black Cohosh). Regresses into dementia. No cure possible, but anti-convulsants may reduce contortions and restlessness. Institutional care may be necessary. Scientists claim the gene that causes Huntingdon’s disease has been identified.

Alternatives. Of Therapeutic Value. Betony, Black Cohosh, Chamomile (German), Cramp bark, Helonias, Ladyslipper, Motherwort, Oats, Passion flower, Sarsaparilla, Skullcap, Valerian, Feverfew. Tablets/capsules. Motherwort, Passion flower, Skullcap, Valerian.

Formula. Combine: equal parts, Black Cohosh, Mistletoe, Helonias. Dose: Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extract: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Thrice daily in water or honey.

Traditional, UK. Combine equal parts, Skullcap, Valerian, Mistletoe. 1oz (30g) to 1 pint (500ml) water; bring to boil; remove vessel when boiling point is reached. Dose: half-1 cup thrice daily.

Diet. Lacto-vegetarian. Yoghurt. Low salt. Oatmeal porridge, Muesli, regular raw food days. Supplements. Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin B6, Kelp, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc.

Note: It would appear the Ginkgo would be an object of scientific study for the complaint. Treatment by or in liaison with general medical practitioner only. ... huntingdon’s chorea


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