Chorea is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary and irregular body movements. It is most commonly seen in individuals with Huntington's disease but can be seen in various neurological disorders and even idiopathic cases. It can severely affect a person's ability to move, think, and even talk.
Chorea is a type of dyskinesia, a neurological disorder that causes involuntary and impaired body movements. Symptoms can range from mild jerking to severe, constant, and complex movements of the limbs.
Chorea is complex since it can involve a variety of muscles and joints, from the trunk down to the toes. Symptoms may affect the body's face, chest, and midline parts, including uncontrolled head, torso, or limb movements.
Chorea can involve muscles and emotions, as emotional and physical activity can increase symptoms. For example, stress, joy, and anger can all lead to a worsening of the symptoms, while physical exercise can help to improve them.
Treatment of chorea is typically centered around medication and physical therapy. Medicine usually focuses on helping to control involuntary movements, while physical therapy helps to strengthen the muscles and improve coordination.
Chorea symptoms usually progress and worsen over time and may be more intense in areas where people are active. It means the patient must receive a complete evaluation to assess the disease's severity and an individualized treatment plan.
Chorea is most commonly seen in individuals with Huntington's disease but can be seen in various other neurological disorders, such as Wilson's disease, Sydenham's chorea, and Leigh's disease. It can also be seen in some cases of idiopathic chorea.
Chorea is also seen in children, known as 'Sydenham's Chorea.' Symptoms typically appear after streptococcal infection, such as the typical fever, and can last several months.
It is possible to have mild chorea without being diagnosed with an underlying neurological disorder, known as benignant or essential chorea. Symptoms of critical chorea can include jerking movements and loss of muscular control.
Chorea can be linked to infections, brain injury, stroke, and several other rarer conditions. It is also believed to be connected to mental health severely in some cases, specifically depression, OCD, and anxiety.
Chorea can severely affect a person's ability to move, think, and talk. Treatment options often include Botox injections, dietary changes, and exercise, though in some cases, medical intervention can be needed to reduce or stop involuntary movements.
