CHOREOATHETOSIS

A combination of chorea (rapid, graceful, dance-like movements) and athetosis (slow, distal, writhing movements). The two usually exist together, though one may be more prominent. Choreic movements are the predominant involuntary movements in rheumatic (Sydenham’s) chorea and Huntington’s disease. Systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common systemic disorder that causes chorea, but it can also be seen in pts with hyperthyroidism, various autoimmune disorders, infections including HIV, metabolic alterations, and in association with a wide variety of medications.

Hemiballismus is a violent form of chorea that comprises wild, flinging movements on one side of the body; the most common cause is a lesion (often infarct or hemorrhage) of the subthalamic nucleus. Athetosis is prominent in some forms of cerebral palsy. Chronic neuroleptic use may lead to tardive dyskinesia, in which choreoathetotic movements are usually restricted to the buccal, lingual, and mandibular areas.

It is also known as:- Paroxysmal kinesigenic choreathetosis.

COMPLICATIONS: -

- The severity of the abnormal involuntary movements may cause rhabdomyolysis or local trauma in some patients.

- The swallowing difficulties and tongue dystonia usually present in neuroacanthocytosis patients may cause aspiration pneumonia and early death in some patients.

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT: -

The Homeopathic medicines that can be thought of use are:-

• Tarentula
• Mygale
• Agaricus
• Cina
• Causticum
• Cuprum met.