Rheumatic diseases of the central nervous system in children

During childhood cerebral disturbances may not infrequently be a first manifestation of rheumatism. Mention should primarily be made of chorea which, as is reasonable to assume, is of rheumatic origin, followed by rheumatic encephalitis, particularly with its hyperkinetic and myoclonic forms. Important to diagnosis are very exact laboratory results and the immunobiological tests. With regard to further maturation the most different syndromes may occur and obtain in cases of neurological disturbances of rheumatic origin. Hyperkinetic forms were observed in small children, diencephalic syndromes chiefly in schoolchildren and adolescents.