Hyperkinetic or Choreiform Gait

Clinical features of the hyperkinetic gait:

(1) irregular, jerky and involuntary movements of the lower extremities, which can be grotesque if severe

(2) unsteadiness with slow progression

The same types of movements also affect the arms and other body parts.

Possible causes include:

(1) chorea (Sydenham's, other)

(2) dystonia

(3) Wilson's disease

(4) Huntington disease

(5) athetosis (writhing and worm-like movements of body)

(6) drugs

(7) infection or autoimmune affecting of the CNS

Differential diagnosis may include:

(1) seizure disorder

(2) psychogenic

Complications:

(1) falls

(2) stigma and social isolation

(3) disability