Common Causes of Chorea

Chorea can happen to adults and children. According to a recent study, Sydenham’s chorea is the commonest cause of chorea in children (it causes almost 100% of acute cases of chorea), whereas in adults levodopa-induced chorea in Parkinson’s disease patients is the commonest cause of chorea.

• Sydenham’s chorea (considered as a major sign of acute rheumatic fever) in children is the commonest cause of chorea. In some patients it can be the only sign of rheumatic fever.
• Huntington's chorea is the most frequent cause of genetic chorea (prevalence rate of about 3 to 7 per 100,000 people in North America and Europe). A person with this disorder may have dementia and psychiatric disturbances as well.
• Senile chorea has a gradual onset (starts in people over the age of 60) and is not associated with personality or psychological changes.
• Hereditary: Some choreas which have a hereditary or genetic basis include Huntington’s disease, benign hereditary chorea, Wilson’s disease, Leigh’s disease and Neuroacanthocytosis.
• Drug induced: Drugs such as neuroleptics, levodopa, anticholinergics, oral contraceptives, antihistamines, amphetamines, cocaine, and phenytoin can cause chorea. Changes in medication dosages can control drug-induced chorea.
• Chorea can be caused due to metabolic disturbances such as in hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and even pregnancy.

These are some of the common causes of chorea. The table below gives more on the causes of chorea. If you have any symptoms suggestive of chorea (abnormal involuntary movements or psychological symptoms), consult your doctor. Prognosis and treatment varies with cause of chorea.

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