![]() ![]() However, symptoms may last longer than one year. Sydenham chorea symptoms usually resolve within three weeks to six months. In some extremely rare cases (less than 2 percent), severe muscle weakness, irritability, or confusion may be profound and affected children may become bedridden, a condition sometimes referred to as paralytic chorea.īecause Sydenham chorea is a complication of rheumatic fever, some individuals will have additional symptoms of joint arthritis or arthralgia, inflammation of the heart valves causing permanent damage to the valves, and ongoing fever. In addition to choreic movements, individuals with Sydenham chorea may develop muscle weakness, slurred speech (dysarthria), diminished muscle tone (hypotonia), tics, obsessions, compulsions, inattention, anxiety, labile mood, and decreased verbal output. In most cases, chorea disappears during sleep. Choreic movements may fluctuate through the day. The abnormal movements in Sydenham chorea range from subtle symptoms, affecting coordination and tasks such as writing, to severe symptoms, disrupting walking, talking, and performing basic tasks such as dressing, eating, or simply holding objects. Parents (and children) generally recognize however that these movements, even in mild cases, are a clear change from the child’s usual status. Initially, doctors may misattribute the restless movements and involuntary facial expressions of Sydenham chorea to a child being extremely fidgety, hyperactive, clumsy and/or purposely uncooperative. Pediatricians and emergency physicians seldom see chorea and may not recognize it. The abnormal movements (chorea) that characterize Sydenham chorea usually emerge over hours, peaking within a few hours or days. Symptoms of Sydenham chorea may appear anywhere from 1 week to 6 months following streptococcal infection. Streptococcus is a group of bacteria that can cause several different infections, most commonly “strep throat” – often presenting with a sore throat (pharyngitis) or fever. Most cases follow an identifiable streptococcal infection. The severity of chorea and the presence of non-chorea symptoms of Sydenham chorea may vary greatly from one person to another. It is considered an autoimmune disorder, meaning it occurs when the body’s immune system (which normally responds to foreign substances) mistakenly targets part of the body, disrupting normal function. Sydenham chorea usually develops within weeks to months following group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection and may occur as an isolated finding or as a major complication of acute rheumatic fever. Sydenham chorea most often affects children over the age of 5 years and adolescents. Anxiety, sadness, inattention, and obsessive compulsive thoughts and behaviors may also occur. Additional symptoms of Sydenham chorea may include slurring of speech and difficulty maintaining steady hand grip. Symptoms in arms and legs are often worse on one side of the body. Chorea is defined as random-appearing, continuous (while awake), involuntary movements which can affect the entire body. Sydenham chorea is a rare neurological disorder characterized by sudden onset chorea, usually in childhood. 5 Myths About Orphan Drugs and the Orphan Drug Act.Information on Clinical Trials and Research Studies.
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