Chorea (dance-like jerky movements)

Overview

Sydenham chorea follows strep infection in children and usually fades over months.

Some medicines and pregnancy can also cause chorea.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Jerky, dance-like movements

Less common

• Clumsiness

When to get medical care

Causes

Many causes.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Children after strep throat: Sydenham chorea
• Families with Huntington's disease: Inherited cause

Possible complications

• Falls and fall risk: Sudden movements can cause falls

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Exam:
• Blood tests:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Make the home fall-safe

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Treat strep throat

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Children: Sydenham chorea after strep.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Sydenham chorea usually goes away.

Depends on the cause.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Could my medicines cause this?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Chorea (dance-like jerky movements)