Sydenham chorea

Sydenham chorea, also known as St. Vitus' dance or rheumatic chorea, is a neurological disorder that occurs as a complication of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever itself is triggered by a throat infection caused by group A streptococcus bacteria (strep throat). After the infection, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks parts of the brain, particularly a region called the basal ganglia, which helps control movement. This leads to the hallmark symptom of chorea — involuntary, jerky, irregular movements that can affect the face, arms, legs, and trunk. Symptoms typically appear weeks to months after a strep throat infection and can range from mild clumsiness to severe uncontrollable movements. Children may also experience emotional changes such as mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. Muscle weakness, trouble with handwriting, slurred speech, and difficulty walking are also common. In some cases, the movements are so severe that daily activities like eating, dressing, and attending school become very difficult. Sydenham chorea most commonly affects children between the ages of 5 and 15, and it is more frequent in girls than boys. The condition is closely linked to rheumatic heart disease, so the heart must also be carefully evaluated. Treatment focuses on eliminating the strep infection with antibiotics, managing the involuntary movements with medications, and preventing future strep infections through long-term antibiotic prophylaxis. Most children recover fully within weeks to months, though some may experience relapses. The condition has become less common in developed countries due to better access to antibiotics, but it remains a significant health concern in developing regions.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.How severe is my child's chorea, and how long is it expected to last?,Does my child have any signs of rheumatic heart disease, and how will the heart be monitored?,How long will my child need to take preventive antibiotics, and what happens if a dose is missed?,What medications will be used to control the movements, and what are the side effects?,What school accommodations should we request during the active phase?,What are the chances of the chorea coming back, and what can we do to reduce that risk?,Should my child see a psychologist or psychiatrist for the emotional and behavioral changes?

Common questions about Sydenham chorea

Related conditions

Other rare diseases commonly researched alongside Sydenham chorea.

• Rheumatic fever→