How To Treat Sydenham's Chorea

Sydenham's chorea is a neurological disorder that occurs after an individual has been infected by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus bacterium, which causes rheumatic fever. Sydenham's chorea is characterized by aimless, rapid, irregular, involuntary movements of the legs, facial muscles, trunk, and arms. More females than males are affected by Sydenham's chorea, and it is most common in individuals between five and fifteen years old. Sydenham's chorea can manifest at any time up to six months following the beta-hemolytic streptococcus infection. Symptoms include muscular weakness, frequent falls, writing problems, issues with concentration, emotional instability, uncoordinated movements, stumbling, and writhing. Diagnosis of Sydenham's chorea can be challenging because the bacterial infection may have left the body by the time movement symptoms occur. Blood tests, physical examination, and brain imaging are used to help eliminate other causes of a patient's symptoms and diagnose Sydenham's chorea.