Overview
Chorea is a neurological movement disorder characterized by rapid, involuntary, and irregular movements, often affecting the face, hands, and feet. The term comes from the Greek word “choreia,” meaning dance, because the movements can appear fluid and dance-like.
In South Korea, neurology clinics and specialized movement disorder centers diagnose and manage chorea using clinical evaluation, imaging, and genetic testing, offering targeted treatment to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Key Facts
Highlights:
➡️ Chorea manifests as sudden, unpredictable, and jerky movements that interfere with voluntary activity.
➡️ It can be inherited, autoimmune-related, infectious, or drug-induced.
➡️ Common causes include Huntington’s disease, Sydenham’s chorea, lupus, and medications.
➡️ Chorea may be transient or progressive, depending on the underlying cause.
➡️ South Korea provides advanced neurologic care, including pharmacologic therapy, rehabilitation, and genetic counseling.
What is Chorea?
Chorea is a movement disorder involving involuntary, abrupt, and irregular movements, distinct from tremors or dystonia.
Key characteristics:
- Rapid, irregular jerks or twitches in limbs, face, or trunk
- Movements may worsen with stress or voluntary activity
- Difficulty with coordination, gait, and fine motor tasks
- Can interfere with speech and swallowing
- May occur alone or with other neurological symptoms, such as cognitive or psychiatric changes
Chorea can be acute, chronic, or progressive, and its pattern often reflects the underlying disease.
What Symptoms are Related to Chorea?
Symptoms often accompany the involuntary movements, including:
- Uncontrolled facial expressions or grimacing
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Impaired handwriting or fine motor coordination
- Speech disturbances (dysarthria)
- Mood or behavioral changes in cases like Huntington’s disease
- Fatigue due to constant involuntary movements
Highlights:
➡️ Symptoms can significantly affect daily functioning, including work, social interaction, and self-care.
➡️ Emotional stress may exacerbate movements, while relaxation may temporarily reduce symptoms.
➡️ Early recognition helps prevent complications and improve quality of life.
What Causes / Possible Causes of Chorea?
Highlights:
➡️ Genetic Disorders:
- Huntington’s disease: Progressive, inherited neurodegenerative disorder
- Benign hereditary chorea: Non-progressive, early-onset chorea
➡️ Autoimmune Conditions:
- Sydenham’s chorea: Post-streptococcal autoimmune reaction, common in children
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): Can cause choreic movements
➡️ Metabolic or Endocrine Causes:
- Thyroid disorders
- Electrolyte imbalances
➡️ Drug-Induced Chorea:
- Antipsychotics or anti-seizure medications may trigger involuntary movements
➡️ Infections: Certain viral or bacterial infections affecting the central nervous system.
➡️ Mechanism: Chorea results from abnormal signaling in the basal ganglia, disrupting the balance between inhibitory and excitatory pathways controlling movement.
When Should I See My Doctor?
Highlights:
➡️ If sudden or progressive involuntary movements appear, especially if persistent.
➡️ If movements interfere with daily activities, including walking, eating, or writing.
➡️ If accompanied by behavioral, cognitive, or speech changes, suggesting underlying neurological disease.
➡️ For children, early evaluation is critical to detect Sydenham’s chorea or hereditary causes.
➡️ Prompt consultation ensures accurate diagnosis, appropriate therapy, and monitoring for complications.
Care and Treatment
Management of chorea depends on the underlying cause:
Highlights:
➡️ Pharmacological Therapy:
- Dopamine-depleting agents (e.g., tetrabenazine) for severe or persistent movements
- Antipsychotics for chorea associated with behavioral disturbances
- Immunosuppressants for autoimmune causes
➡️ Supportive Care:
- Physical therapy to improve coordination and gait
- Occupational therapy for fine motor skills
- Speech therapy if speech is affected
➡️ Addressing Underlying Causes:
- Antibiotics for post-streptococcal Sydenham’s chorea
- Hormone or metabolic correction if endocrine or metabolic disorders are involved
- Genetic counseling for inherited forms
➡️ Lifestyle Measures:
- Stress reduction and adequate rest to minimize exacerbations
- Safety precautions to prevent falls or injury
Treatment Options in Korea
South Korea provides comprehensive care for patients with chorea, including:
Highlights:
➡️ Neurology Clinics: Diagnosis using clinical examination, MRI, and genetic testing.
➡️ Movement Disorder Centers: Specialized care for Huntington’s disease, Sydenham’s chorea, and drug-induced chorea.
➡️ Rehabilitation Services: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy to improve function and quality of life.
➡️ Multidisciplinary Approach: Collaboration among neurologists, psychiatrists, physical therapists, and genetic counselors.
➡️ Medical Tourism Support: Multilingual consultations, diagnostic testing, and treatment planning for international patients.
➡️ Advanced Research & Therapy: Participation in clinical trials and access to novel therapies for inherited or refractory chorea.
