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Chorea, athetosis and hemiballism
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Athetosis - wormlike movements, mainly in the distal parts of the limb, alternating positions of proximal limb sections form a picture of snake-like movements. Chorea and athetosis often combine (choreoathetosis).
Gemiballism - one-way violent movements in the proximal arm, imitating a throw.
Chorea - involuntary movements predominantly of the distal muscles of the limbs or face, movements can merge into purposeful and semi-purposeful acts, which masks their involuntariness.
Causes of the chorea, athetosis and hemiballism
Chorea and athetosis are associated with increased dopaminergic activity in the basal ganglia. Huntington's disease is the most frequent degenerative disease manifested by the chorea. Other causes of chorea are thyrotoxicosis, involving the central nervous system lupus erythematosus and rheumatic fever (Sydenham's chorea), the action of medications (eg, antipsychotics). A tumor or infarction of the caudate nucleus can cause acute unilateral chorea (hemichorea).
Chorea in pregnant women usually develops during the first trimester in women who have previously suffered rheumatic fever and is resolved spontaneously or after childbirth.
Sometimes the chorea develops in women taking oral contraceptives.
The common cause of hemiballism is a heart attack in the contralateral subthalamic nucleus.
Complications and consequences
Hemiballism is fraught with disability, but it usually goes by itself for 6-8 weeks.
Treatment of the chorea, athetosis and hemiballism
Treatment of chorea in pregnant women - sedation with barbiturates, other sedatives can be dangerous for the fetus.
In the treatment of hemiballism, neuroleptics are often effective.