Kulsum International Hospital

Sydenham's Chorea

On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Symptoms
  3. Causes and risk factors
  4. Diagnosis
  5. Treatment
  6. When to see a doctor

Overview

Sydenham's chorea usually improves over months. Children need treatment to prevent rheumatic heart disease.

Symptoms

  • Jerky, uncontrolled movements
  • Clumsiness
  • Difficulty writing
  • Mood changes and anxiety
  • Slurred speech

Causes and risk factors

It follows an untreated streptococcal throat infection.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on examination, blood tests and an echocardiogram to check the heart.

Treatment

Treatment includes antibiotics, medicines for movements and long-term antibiotic prevention.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if a child develops jerky movements after a sore throat.

This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Our doctors

Consultants in the KIH departments that diagnose and treat Sydenham's Chorea.

Dr. Iqbal Saifullah Khan
Interventional Cardiology

Dr. Iqbal Saifullah Khan

Consultant Interventional Cardiologist

Book Appointment
Cardiology

Maj. Gen. Prof. Dr. Farhan Tuyyab

Consultant Cardiologist

Book Appointment