Choreoathetosis is a movement disorder caused by central nervous system conditions, characterized by involuntary movements that occur at medium speed. It is a combination of two movement disorders, chorea and athetosis, and can be treated with medications and therapy. Early identification and treatment are important to prevent serious damage.
Choreoathetosis is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary movements that occur at medium speed, most often when people are attempting to move. There are a number of conditions associated with choreoathetosis, ranging from genetic disorders such as Lesch-Nyhan syndrome to brain damage caused by drug use. Patients who have this movement disorder usually need to see a neurologist for evaluation and treatment.
People with this movement disorder have a combination of two movement disorders: chorea and athetosis. Chorea is characterized by jerky, rapid movements that flow rapidly between muscle groups. The term comes from the Greek word for “dance” and in some people it may sound like a form of dance. Athetosis involves writhing, rolling movements that are slower. In people with choreoathetosis, elements of both movement disorders can be seen.
This movement disorder is a symptom, rather than a condition on its own. The presence of choreoathetosis in a patient indicates that the patient has a condition involving the central nervous system. Determining the cause is important because it can be treatable and treatments vary widely. A neurologist can perform a physical exam, take a medical history, conduct medical imaging studies of the brain and spinal cord, and use diagnostic tests such as genetic testing to evaluate the patient in order to learn more about what is causing the choreoathetosis.
Some medications can be used to minimize or control the involuntary movements. In patients with paroxysmal choreoathetosis, where there are periodic episodes of disordered movement, these drugs can sometimes eliminate the accidents altogether. The drugs can also be used to treat the underlying cause, such as the uric acid buildup seen in people with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. Some patients benefit from physical and occupational therapy to help them improve muscle control.
When someone develops a movement disorder, it’s a sign that the person has a neurological problem. An emerging problem should be dealt with as quickly as possible. Things like tremors, involuntary movements, jerky movements, muscle weakness, and poor motor control are all indicative of brain or nerve damage or impairment. It may be possible to stop or reverse the damage if identified and treated quickly, but if a patient is allowed to go untreated, it can become serious. People with a family history of neurological disorders should ensure that this history is noted in their medical records so doctors know to be on the lookout for early warning signs of developing a progressive neurological disease.
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