Definition

Noun: * Sydenham's chorea: A neurological disorder characterized by rapid, involuntary, and purposeless movements, primarily affecting the face, hands, and feet. It is a major diagnostic criterion for rheumatic fever and occurs as a complication following a streptococcal infection, such as strep throat. It is most commonly seen in children and adolescents.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The patient's sudden, jerky movements led the doctor to suspect Sydenham's chorea.
  • A history of Sydenham's chorea is considered evidence of a prior streptococcal infection.
  • Treatment for Sydenham's chorea often involves managing the underlying rheumatic fever.

Advanced Usage

• "St. Vitus' dance": This is an older, historical name for Sydenham's chorea, referencing the rapid, dance-like movements of the condition.
  • In historical texts, Sydenham's chorea was often referred to as St. Vitus' dance.

Variants and Related Words

• Chorea (n): The broader medical term for the type of abnormal involuntary movement disorder of which Sydenham's chorea is a specific form.
  • Huntington's disease is another condition that causes chorea.
• Rheumatic chorea (n): A synonym for Sydenham's chorea, emphasizing its association with rheumatic fever.

Synonyms

• Rheumatic chorea
• St. Vitus' dance (historical)

Related Terms (Medical Context)

• Rheumatic fever (n): An inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of untreated streptococcal infection, of which Sydenham's chorea is a manifestation.
• Streptococcal infection (n): The bacterial infection (e.g., strep throat) that precedes the development of Sydenham's chorea.
• Involuntary movement (n): The general category of symptoms displayed in Sydenham's chorea.

Noun

1. chorea occurring chiefly in children and associated with rheumatic fever