The Canadian Movement Disorder Group
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".
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. |