About Pediatric Chorea
Key Highlights
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Comprehensive evaluation by a specialist in childhood neurological disorders.Personalized treatment plan targeting the specific underlying cause of the movements.Multidisciplinary approach often involving therapy to improve coordination and daily skills.Aims to significantly reduce involuntary movements and improve overall motor function.Focuses on enhancing the child's ability to participate in school, play, and social activities.
Who is this surgery for?
- Observation of sudden, involuntary, dance-like (choreiform) movements in a child.
- Suspected Sydenham's chorea (St. Vitus' dance), often following a streptococcal infection.
- Evaluation for hereditary conditions like Huntington's disease (juvenile-onset) or benign hereditary chorea.
- Movement abnormalities arising from autoimmune disorders, metabolic issues, or drug reactions.
- Chorea present alongside other neurological symptoms like weakness, speech problems, or behavioral changes.
How to prepare
- Compile a detailed medical history, including recent illnesses, infections, and family history of neurological conditions.
- Bring any previous medical records, imaging scans, and a list of current medications.
- The child may need to fast for certain blood tests if ordered by the neurologist.
- Prepare the child for the visit by explaining the doctor will check their movements and reflexes in a gentle way.
- For imaging (MRI), screening for metal implants and preparation for staying still may be required.
Risks & possible complications
- Diagnostic procedures like blood draws carry minimal risks of bruising or infection.
- MRI scans are safe but may cause anxiety; sedation used in young children has its own minimal risks.
- Medications used for symptom control can have side effects like drowsiness, weight gain, or restlessness.
- In very rare cases where deep brain stimulation is considered, surgical risks include infection, bleeding, or hardware complications.
- Potential for emotional or psychological impact on the child due to chronic symptoms.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Recovery is highly variable and depends entirely on the cause. Some forms (like Sydenham's) may resolve over weeks to months with treatment.
- Post-diagnosis, care involves strict adherence to prescribed medications and monitoring for side effects.
- Regular physical and occupational therapy sessions are crucial to manage movements and improve function.
- Ongoing follow-up with the pediatric neurologist to adjust treatment and monitor progress.
- Family support and creating a safe home environment to prevent injury from involuntary movements are key.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-3 days
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Expected recovery time: Weeks to ongoing management
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering pediatric chorea in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric neurology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform pediatric chorea. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric neurologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for pediatric chorea compare across other countries where we have data.
Vivaan Malhotra is a cheerful 8-year-old...
Vivaan Malhotra is a cheerful 8-year-old boy from a close-knit family in Mumbai. An avid cricket fan, he dreams of becoming a batsman. Over the past six months, his parents noticed subtle, uncontrollable fidgeting in his hands and feet that gradually worsened into jerky, dance-like movements, especially when he was excited or tired. He began dropping his cricket bat and struggling to write in school. After multiple consultations, a pediatric neurologist diagnosed him with Sydenham's chorea, a post-streptococcal complication following a missed strep throat infection. The doctor recommended a course of high-dose oral corticosteroids to suppress the immune system's attack on his brain. The treatment was challenging; Vivaan experienced mood swings and weight gain, and he hated missing cricket practice. However, after four weeks, the involuntary movements reduced significantly. Within three months, he was back on the field, his coordination nearly restored. The emotional journey was a rollercoaster, from the fear of a permanent condition and frustration at his own body to immense relief and joy as he regained control, his confidence returning with each successful shot played.
Pediatric Neurologists for Pediatric Chorea
Explore experienced pediatric neurologists who regularly perform pediatric chorea and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 28 Years Experience
- Pediatric Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 13 Years Experience
- Pediatric Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Pediatric Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Pediatric Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 12 Years Experience
- Pediatric Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Pediatric Neurologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 10 Years Experience
- Pediatric Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore