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Chorea, athetosis and hemiballism.
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Athetosis - worm-like movements, mainly in the distal parts of the limb, alternating positions of the proximal parts of the limb form a picture of snake-like movements. Chorea and athetosis are often combined (choreoathetosis).
Hemiballismus is a unilateral violent movement of the proximal arm that simulates a throw.
Chorea is an involuntary movement of predominantly distal muscles of the limbs or face; movements can merge into purposeful and semi-purposeful acts, which masks their involuntariness.
[ Causes chorea, athetosis and hemiballism.
Chorea and athetosis are associated with increased dopaminergic activity in the basal ganglia. Huntington's disease is the most common degenerative disorder manifested by chorea. Other causes of chorea include thyrotoxicosis, CNS-involving systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatic fever (Sydenham's chorea), and drug effects (eg, neuroleptics). A tumor or infarction of the caudate nucleus may cause acute unilateral chorea (hemichorea).
Chorea in pregnant women usually develops during the first trimester in women who have previously suffered from rheumatism, and resolves spontaneously or after childbirth.
Chorea sometimes develops in women taking oral contraceptives.
The usual cause of hemiballismus is infarction in the contralateral subthalamic nucleus.
Complications and consequences
Hemiballismus is disabling but usually resolves on its own within 6 to 8 weeks.
Treatment chorea, athetosis and hemiballism.
Treatment of chorea in pregnant women - sedation with barbiturates, other sedatives can be dangerous for the fetus.
Neuroleptics are often effective in the treatment of hemiballismus.