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Hereditary causes of chorea in childhood

Katherine D Mathews1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics , University of Iowa. Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.

Seminars in Pediatric Neurology
|June 6, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Childhood chorea and athetosis are rare, often indicating hereditary diseases. Benign childhood chorea, a genetically diverse condition, typically presents without other symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neurogenetics
  • Movement Disorders

Background:

  • Chorea and athetosis are uncommon initial symptoms in pediatric patients.
  • These movement disorders can be manifestations of various hereditary conditions, including neurodegenerative, paroxysmal, and metabolic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical aspects of benign childhood chorea.
  • To differentiate benign chorea from other hereditary causes presenting with similar symptoms in children.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical presentations and diagnostic approaches for childhood chorea.
  • Analysis of hereditary conditions associated with chorea in pediatric populations.

Main Results:

  • Diagnosis of hereditary chorea is often aided by family history, associated symptoms, and physical examination.
  • Benign childhood chorea is likely a group of genetically distinct disorders.

Conclusions:

  • Benign childhood chorea is a heterogeneous group of disorders.
  • Accurate diagnosis in pediatric chorea requires careful evaluation of clinical and historical data.

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