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Sydenham chorea (Saint Vitus dance)
Chorea associated with infection, generally rheumatic fever.
Clinical manifestations:
1) gradual onset of symptoms
2) irritability
3) anxiety
4) poor memory
5) occasional involuntary choreiform movements with hyper- extended joints
6) inaccurate voluntary movements
7) hypotonia
8) diminished deep tendon reflexes (DTR)
9) impaired speech may be present
Laboratory:
- lumbar puncture
a) increased CSF pressure
b) increased glucose
c) increased cell count
Management:
1) treatment is symptomatic
2) benzodiazepines may be helpful for controlling chorea
3) penicillin may be useful for treating Streptococcal infection
Related
rheumatic fever
General
chorea
References
- DeGowin & DeGowin's Diagnostic Examination, 6th edition,
RL DeGowin (ed), McGraw Hill, NY 1994, pg 874-75
- NINDS Sydenham Chorea Information Page
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Sydenham-Chorea-Information-Page