Chorea is a movement disorder that causes involuntary, unpredictable, and abrupt movements. There are two types of chorea: primary chorea and secondary chorea.
According to a
The movements can affect the whole body or specific areas, such as the hands or face.
This article explores the types of chorea and includes their causes. It also discusses chorea treatments and the outlook for people with the condition.
Primary chorea develops as the result of a disease, of which it is a primary symptom. Primary symptoms are common symptoms of a condition or symptoms that must be present to diagnose the condition.
According to the
Huntington’s disease is hereditary and
In Huntington’s disease, chorea is a common early symptom. As the disease progresses, chorea often gives way to slowness or difficulty of movement.
Some of its other symptoms include:
- muscle spasms
- attention issues
- cognitive issues
- irritability, which is often severe
- apathy
Due to its strong genetic component, people with a family history of Huntington’s disease are at risk of developing it themselves. The disease mostly begins affecting people between
Secondary chorea arises in any condition that is not a primary symptom. This means that this symptom is not essential for diagnosing the condition.
According to a
Chorea can have causes besides the above. For instance, stroke and brain tumors sometimes lead to chorea.
The use of certain medications and drugs can also induce chorea, including:
Scientists do not know how common chorea might be. However, researchers have some data about the incidence of certain causes of chorea, which
- Huntington’s disease: This condition affects between 5 and 10 in every 100,000 individuals in the United States.
- Wilson’s disease: This affects around 30 in every 1 million people.
- Benign hereditary chorea: Very rarely, someone inherits chorea. This affects around 1 in every 500,000 individuals.
Experts also note that chorea can arise in up to
Treatment for chorea varies depending on the underlying cause.
For example, there is no known way to stop Huntington’s disease from progressing. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms.
The following medications
- tetrabenazine
- amantadine
- riluzole
- dopamine agonists
- glutamate antagonists
- benzodiazepines
A common treatment option is valproic acid, which is an antiepileptic drug. Risperidone, an antipsychotic medication, may also have positive effects.
When the chorea is
The outlook for people with chorea depends upon the underlying cause.
For example, Huntington’s disease is a serious and incurable condition. However, medications can help to manage the symptoms, including chorea.
The outlook for secondary chorea also depends on the underlying cause. For example, Sydenham chorea is a treatable condition that tends to resolve after
Chorea is a movement disorder where a person experiences involuntary, unpredictable, and erratic movements.
There are two types of chorea. Primary chorea is when chorea is a primary symptom of a medical condition, such as Huntington’s disease.
Secondary chorea is when chorea develops due to another cause, such as a medical condition, medication, or drugs.