According to the International Union of Neurology s ad hoc Commission on Classification, the term "chorea" means "involuntary, repeated, and rhythm, "a condition characterized by frequent, involuntary motions that are not rhythmic, are dispersed at random, and often have a sharp onset and stop. The degree of these movements varies widely, ranging from modest, sporadic amppfication of gesture and expression to a constant flow of cripppng, violent motions."

What is Chorea?

Chorea manifests itself as rapid, seemingly unrelated muscular contractions that are neither rhythmic nor repeated. Athetosis often accompanies the dance−pke motions of Chorea, adding twisting and writhing. One may have trouble walking and use strange positions and motions with one s legs. Chorea s actions and balpsm happen automatically, without any intervention from the patient, in contrast to ataxia, which impairs the quapty of motor activity, and Parkinsonism, which slows down voluntary movements. In this sense, Chorea might be defined as a kind of hyperkinetic movement condition. The thrashing movements caused by severe Chorea are called balpsm and balpsmus.

What are the causes of Chorea?

Hungtington disease and genetic are the two causes of Chorea −

Huntington Disease

Chorea has been described by the World Association of Neurology s ad hoc Commission on Classification as a "state characterized by excessive, unpredictable, quasi, randomly dispersed, and abrupt movement. Motions may range from moderate, occasional amppfication of gesture and expression, twitching of the pmbs, and an unsteady, dance−pke walk up to a constant flow of cripppng, violent movements." The cause of Huntington s disease may be traced back to a family s genetic makeup, as brain cells die out due to this. Huntington s disease patients may have chorea symptoms pke jerking and writing that are not controlled by conscious thought. A milkmaid s grasp is another prevalent symptom. Adult−onset Huntington s disease is associated with a higher prevalence of Chorea. Actions in the arms and the legs may become more difficult to control as symptoms worsen.

Genetic

Chorea is more common in underdeveloped nations, and risk factors include cerebrovascular disease, HIV infection, and cryptococcal disease. A streptococcus infection may bring on Sydenham s Chorea. Twenty percent of kids and teenagers get Sydenham s Chorea as a subsequent comppcation of rheumatic fever. Perhaps its drop in incidence is attributable to penicilpn, improved socioeconomic conditions, or a physical decpne in the bacteria (Streptococcus) it has arisen from. Both recurrent and persistent mental symptoms have been pnked to this kind of acquired Chorea. Children with PANDAS, a set of autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders with a possible relation to streptococcal infection, may have Chorea as a symptom. Chorea gravidarum is the medical term for pregnancy−related tremors. Despite no prenatal therapy, the disease resolves in 30% of infants, while it persists in the remaining 70%. The signs and symptoms progressively disappear in the days after the baby s birth.

What are the Risk Factors for Chorea?

Chorea is more common in those who have had rheumatic fever. Additional variables might increase or decrease the danger of contracting a certain illness. For instance, chorea may be an inherited symptom of diseases pke Huntington s. The Mayo Cpnic reports that if one or both parents have Huntington s disease, there is a 50% risk that the condition will be passed on to the offspring.

What are the Treatment Methods in Chorea?

It is important to identify the specific form of Chorea one has before beginning treatment. In theory, alleviating chorea symptoms will be a side effect of treating the underlying cause. Antibiotics may be useful in treating Sydenham s Chorea. Antipsychotic medicines and other treatments may be used to treat the Chorea associated with Huntington s disease. Though the underlying cause of Parkinson s Chorea cannot be cured, its symptoms may be treated.

Medication

Chorea medicines often work by increasing or decreasing dopamine. The neurotransmitter dopamine regulates the brain s behavioral, cognitive, and emotional processes. Dopamine levels have been pnked to a wide variety of neurological conditions. Parkinson s disease, as well as restless legs syndrome, are two examples of these conditions. One may not be able to utipze dopamine since certain drugs work by blocking the receptors that let it into one s brain and body. The majority of these antipsychotic medications have been shown to alleviate Chorea.

Surgery

It has been shown that deep neural stimulation, a surgical method, may be effective in treating Chorea. Electrodes would be implanted in the brain to control the flow of electrical signals. In cases when conventional medicine fails to alleviate the symptoms of Chorea, deep brain stimulation may be suggested as an alternative. This method cannot cure Chorea, although it may help alleviate some of the symptoms.

Self−Care

Among the preventative safety precautions, one may take at home is to put down nonspp surfaces on the stairs and in the restroom. If one is worried about the security of one s house, discuss the matter with one s doctor.

Conclusion

Sydenham s Chorea is treatable with antibiotics. Although Huntington s illness cannot currently be cured, it can be treated and controlled. The chorea gravidarum symptoms that affect certain women during pregnancy normally resolve within six weeks following depvery. Once a cpnician corrects a metabopc and an endocrine abnormapty, the signs of Chorea generally disappear. One s doctor will create a treatment plan that will assist one manage the chorea signs regardless of the underlying cause.