Description

Chorea gravidarum is a rare condition during pregnancy.


Proposed mechanisms: ischemia or enhanced dopaminergic sensitivity medicated by changes in hormones during pregnancy.

 

Risk factors:

(1) antiphospholipid antibodies

(2) drug exposure (oral contraceptive, other)

(3) toxic exposure

(4) infection (rheumatic fever, viral encephalitis)

(5) stress

 

Clinical features may include:

(1) involuntary, abnormal limb movements (choreiform, other)

(2) facial grimacing

(3) loss of coordination

(4) variable slurring of speech

(5) variable in ability to rest

(6) variable psychosis

 

Differential diagnosis:

(1) Huntingon's chorea


To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.