Which are the symptoms of Sydenham Chorea?

Symptoms of Sydenham Chorea

Sydenham Chorea, also known as St. Vitus Dance, is a neurological disorder that primarily affects children and adolescents. It is characterized by involuntary, rapid, and jerky movements of the face, limbs, and trunk. These movements, known as chorea, are often accompanied by other symptoms that can significantly impact a person's daily life.

1. Involuntary Movements: The hallmark symptom of Sydenham Chorea is the presence of involuntary movements. These movements can be mild to severe and typically affect both sides of the body. They may start in one area and spread to other body parts. The movements are often described as purposeless, random, and jerky.

2. Emotional Instability: Individuals with Sydenham Chorea may experience emotional instability, including mood swings, irritability, and sudden outbursts of laughter or crying. These emotional changes can be unpredictable and may interfere with social interactions and daily functioning.

3. Muscle Weakness: Some individuals with Sydenham Chorea may experience muscle weakness, making it difficult to perform certain tasks or maintain proper posture. This weakness can affect both fine motor skills, such as writing or buttoning clothes, and gross motor skills, such as walking or running.

4. Impaired Coordination: Due to the involuntary movements and muscle weakness, coordination and balance can be significantly affected in individuals with Sydenham Chorea. This can lead to difficulties with activities that require precise movements, such as handwriting or playing sports.

5. Speech and Swallowing Difficulties: Some individuals may experience speech and swallowing difficulties as a result of the involuntary movements affecting the muscles involved in these functions. Speech may become slurred or difficult to understand, and swallowing may be impaired, leading to choking or aspiration.

6. Behavioral Changes: Sydenham Chorea can also cause behavioral changes in affected individuals. These may include attention deficits, hyperactivity, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and difficulties with concentration and memory. These behavioral changes can impact academic performance and social interactions.

7. Fatigue and Restlessness: Many individuals with Sydenham Chorea experience fatigue and restlessness. The constant movement and muscle activity can be physically exhausting, leading to feelings of tiredness. Restlessness and an inability to sit still are also common symptoms.

8. Joint Pain: Some individuals may experience joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the larger joints such as the knees, elbows, and ankles. This can make movement even more challenging and contribute to overall discomfort.

9. Rapid Onset: Sydenham Chorea often develops suddenly, typically following a streptococcal infection, such as strep throat or scarlet fever. The onset of symptoms may occur weeks to months after the initial infection.

10. Remission and Recurrence: In most cases, Sydenham Chorea is a self-limiting condition, meaning it resolves on its own over time. However, it can recur in some individuals, especially during periods of stress or following another streptococcal infection.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and appropriate management of Sydenham Chorea. Treatment options may include medications to reduce the severity of symptoms and physical or occupational therapy to improve motor function and coordination.