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Sydenham's chorea

Sydenham's chorea

1 9.9
A movement problem in children after rheumatic fever causing quick involuntary movements of the face, hands, and feet
  • noun
  • /ˈsɪdənˌhæmz kəˈrɪə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : corea de Sydenham
  • The doctor diagnosed the child with Sydenham's chorea after noting her sudden, involuntary movements.

Examples

  • Sydenham's chorea is a serious complication that can occur during rheumatic fever in children.

  • Treatment for Sydenham's chorea often involves medications to manage movement and prevent further heart damage.

  • Children with Sydenham's chorea often exhibit rapid movements.

  • What are the symptoms of Sydenham's chorea?

  • Sydenham's chorea can cause children to experience rapid, involuntary movements of their hands and feet.

  • After recovering from rheumatic fever, the doctor noted the signs of Sydenham's chorea in the young patient.

  • Parents should be aware that Sydenham's chorea may develop in their child following a strep throat infection.

Synonyms

St. Vitus dance
vsSydenham's chorea
  • Archaic
9.9

A medical condition causing sudden uncontrolled movements in children often after rheumatic fever

is the formal medical name used by clinicians
Saint Vitus dance
vsSydenham's chorea
  • Archaic
9.9

A condition that makes children have quick, uncontrolled body movements

is the formal medical name used in clinical contexts

Surface Forms

Morphology

Sydenham's + chorea

The constituent 'chorea' directly signals involuntary, rapid movements, and a learner who recognizes 'Sydenham's' as a proper name can reasonably infer this is a specific type of chorea. However, the eponym 'Sydenham's' does not convey the etiological detail (association with rheumatic fever) or age distribution, so the full clinical meaning is not fully derivable from the parts.

Etymology

The name Sydenham's chorea comes from the doctor Thomas Sydenham, and the word chorea comes from a Greek word meaning 'dance' because the movements look like dancing. That's why the term is used for the sudden 'uncontrolled movements' some children get with rheumatic fever.