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
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Specialty: Obstetrics & Gynecology