How Is Chorea Treated?

Underlying Condition Treatment

Chorea can be caused by an underlying condition that can be treated, which decreases chorea in most cases. These types of chorea are not permanent or progressive forms of the condition and can be resolved along with the underlying condition. Some individuals develop chorea as a side effect of certain medications, including levodopa, phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproate, gabapentin, amphetamines, methylphenidate, benzodiazepines, estrogens, lithium, dopamine agonists antihistamines H1 and H2, baclofen, aminophylline, and cimetidine. When the patient stops taking the causative medication, the symptoms of chorea should slowly begin to resolve. Another form of chorea that can be treated by treating the underlying condition is called Sydenham's chorea. Sydenham's chorea occurs following certain types of infections when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy neurons because they have similar antigens as the infection-causing bacteria. Treating the infection with potent antibiotics and reducing the activity of the immune system with steroids or immunosuppressant therapy can help resolve the symptoms of chorea in Sydenham's chorea patients.