What are the symptoms of chorea?

What are the symptoms of chorea?

The symptoms of chorea are much the same no matter what caused the movement disorder. The most common signs of chorea are:

• Involuntary muscle movements: Also called fidgety movements or dance-like movements usually appear in the hands, feet, and face. They can affect the way you walk, swallow and talk. The movements may be fluid or somewhat jerky. They can make it look as if you’re dancing, playing the piano, or even writhing in pain. The movements often get worse if you’re stressed or anxious and go away when you’re sleeping.
• Milkmaid’s grip: Rather than holding your hand steady when you try to shake someone’s hand, you may grip and release your fingers over and over again. Doctors call this symptom milkmaid’s grip because it looks like you’re milking a cow.
• Jack-in-the-box tongue: When you try to stick out your tongue, it may slide in and out of your mouth. This sign of chorea is sometimes called jack-in-the-box tongue or harlequin tongue.
• Speech problems: Kids and adults may develop slurred speech as the muscles involved in making speech lose coordination.
• Headaches and seizures: Kids who develop chorea after rheumatic fever can have seizures and headaches. Some children also have behavioral and emotional issues.