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Functional Impact of Sydenham's Chorea: A Case Report
Hortensia Gimeno1, Sinead Barry, Jean-Pierre Lin
1Complex Motor Disorders Service, Evelina Children's Hospital, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom ; Occupational Therapy, Evelina Children's Hospital, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements (New York, N.Y.)
|March 28, 2013
Summary
Sydenham's chorea (SC) significantly impacts childhood functional abilities. Early occupational therapy assessments and haloperidol treatment rapidly improved motor and process skills, restoring independence in daily activities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Movement Disorders
- Occupational Therapy
Background:
- Sydenham's chorea (SC) is the most frequent acquired chorea in children.
- SC symptoms, primarily neurological, can persist for up to two years and may recur.
- This case report details the functional progression of a child diagnosed with SC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the functional course of Sydenham's chorea.
- To evaluate the impact of haloperidol treatment on functional abilities.
- To identify needs for occupational therapy interventions.
Main Methods:
- Standardized assessments of activity and participation were used.
- Assessments were conducted pre- and post-haloperidol treatment.
- Focus was on motor skills, process skills, and activities of daily living.
Main Results:
- SC markedly reduced children's participation and independence.
- Haloperidol treatment led to improved motor and process skills within one week.
- Significant functional gains in self-care and mobility were observed by nine weeks.
Conclusions:
- Functional assessments are crucial for managing SC due to potential enduring symptoms.
- Childhood movement disorders like SC can have lasting motor and non-motor effects.
- Prompt intervention can mitigate functional disability in acute childhood movement disorders.
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