The Definition of Chorea:

An irregular, unpredictable, random, jerky, movements that flow from one body part to another or a complete inability to sustain a steady body position. Athetosis is slower than chorea. It is acceptable to use the term "choreoathetosis".

List of Causes

Inherited Degenerative Diseases

Huntington's Disease

Benign Familial Chorea

Neuroacanthocytosis

Toxins / Drugs

Birth Control Pill

Dilantin

L-dopa

Vascular Causes (Strokes)

Polycythemia (a disorder associated with too many red blood cells)

Hypertensive basal ganglia small strokes (Lacunes)

Vasculitis (inflamation of blood vessels (eg. Lupus)

Metabolic Disorders

Hyperthroidism (overactive thyroid)

Chorea Gravidarum (pregnancy induced chorea)

Chronic liver failure

Hypoglycemia (Low blood sugar)

Inherited Metabolic Diseases

Wilson's Disease (an inherited abnormality of copper storage)

Paroxysmal (episodic)Choreoathetosis

Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Choreoathetosis (Episodic chorea induced by movement)

Paroxysmal Non-Kinesigenic Choreoathetosis  (Episodic chorea not induced by movement)

 Infectious

Sydenham's Chorea (associated with Rheumatic fever)

Syphillis

A.I.D.S.

Others

Treatment

Treatment needs to proceed with caution. Frequently treatment settles chorea but the functional status of the patient is worsened.

Medications Options:

A variety of medications can be used to help settle the movement disorder including; Tetrabenazine, Reserpine, Trilafon (perphenazine), other Neuroleptics, and Haldol.