sydenham's chorea
Học thuậtThân thiện
A child with Sydenham's chorea has brief, involuntary movements of the hands and face.
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.
A child with Sydenham's chorea has brief, involuntary movements of the hands and face.
Noun
- chorea occurring chiefly in children and associated with rheumatic fever