Antipsychotic Agents
Athetosis
Chorea
Dopamine
Gestures

Chorea

Chorea is a hyperkinetic movement disorder with multiple causes or etiologies. According to the Committee on Classification of the World Federation of Neurology, chorea is a state of excessive, spontaneous movements that are irregularly timed, nonrepetitive, randomly distributed, and abrupt in character. These movements may vary in severity from restlessness with mild intermittent exaggeration of gesture and expression, fidgeting movements of the hands, and unstable dance-like gait to a continuous flow of disabling, violent movements. Chorea, similar to choreography, refers to movements that resemble dancing. Chorea is often accompanied by athetosis and, very rarely, ballism. Athetosis is a slower form of chorea. The slowed movements have a writhing or twisting motion. Ballism is a very severe form of chorea where a violent flinging of the extremities is observed. The movements are involuntary and usually involve the limbs. Ballismus is usually unilateral but, rarely, may be bilateral. The causes of chorea are extensive and include hereditary and acquired etiologies. A careful history, detailed examination, and some laboratory tests may narrow the list of differential diagnoses. Management focuses on treating the underlying cause, using medications like dopamine-depleting agents or antipsychotics to reduce involuntary movements. The prognosis depends on the cause. Some cases resolve with treatment, while others, such as Huntington disease, may progress over time. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance learners’ competence in evaluating and managing chorea. Participants gain a deeper understanding of the condition’s etiology, pathophysiology, and varied presentations. The differential diagnosis of chorea will be explored, and the best approaches to diagnosis and management will be highlighted. Greater proficiency will equip clinicians to work within an interprofessional team caring for patients with this movement disorder, improving…

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