Movement, unpredictable - jerky

Considerations:
Chorea is often accompanied by irritability, weakness , restlessness , and emotional instability.

Typical movements include facial grimacing, raising and lowering the shoulders, or bending and extending the fingers. It can affect one or both sides of the body, unless the face is involved, and then the condition always affects both sides.

These involuntary movements are generally not repetitive and can appear purposeful even though they are involuntary and uncontrollable.

Common Causes:
While there are no common causes of chorea, there are several possible causes including Sydenham's chorea, Huntington disease and other rare disorders. The list of all possible causes can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the list will vary based on age and gender of the individual as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for this symptom occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Follow prescribed therapy.

The problems of chorea disappear during rest but are usually aggravated by excitement or fatigue . Emotional stress and physical exertion should be minimized.

Safety measures should be taken to decrease the likelihood of injury from the involuntary movements.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:
  • there is any persistent, unexplained, and uncontrollable bodily motions.



What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting this symptom in detail may include:

  • type
    • What kind of movement occurs?
    • What part of the body is affected?

  • other

The physical examination may include an extensive nervous system and muscular system examination.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to ataxia to your personal medical record.