Guide To The Risk Factors And Causes Of Sydenham's Chorea

Sydenham's chorea is a childhood neurological disorder where an individual exhibits involuntary and abnormal movements along with other symptoms as a complication of a recent group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus bacterial infection. Symptoms include involuntary rapid and aimless movements in the trunk, legs, arms, and facial muscles, as well as slurred speech, emotional instability, halting gait, repetitive grimacing, muscular weakness, frequent falls, stumbling, problems concentrating, inability to write, uncoordinated movements, and abnormal writhing movements. Sydenham's chorea is diagnosed with the use of physical examination, blood testing for streptococcal antibodies, and MRI imaging to rule out other possible causes of the individual's symptoms. Treatment for Sydenham's chorea includes antibiotics to eliminate the infection from the body, medications to suppress the chorea symptoms, and medications to reduce the activity of the immune system.