Learn about Sydenham Chorea Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Sydenham Chorea and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Sydenham Chorea

Sydenham chorea is a neurological movement disorder, not a surgical procedure, but a condition managed by a Rheumatologist. It is a major manifestation of acute rheumatic fever, an autoimmune response triggered by a prior Group A streptococcal infection. The condition is characterized by rapid, involuntary, purposeless, and non-rhythmic movements of the limbs, face, and trunk, often accompanied by emotional lability, muscle weakness, and slurred speech. The rheumatologist's role involves a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation to confirm the link to rheumatic fever, followed by a management plan focused on eradicating the streptococcal infection with antibiotics, suppressing inflammation, and controlling the choreiform movements with medications like valproic acid or carbamazepine. Long-term care includes secondary antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent recurrent rheumatic fever and cardiac monitoring, as it is frequently associated with carditis.

Key Highlights

    Management by a specialist who understands the autoimmune and cardiac implications of rheumatic fever.Focuses on treating the underlying cause (streptococcal infection) to prevent disease progression.Effective symptomatic control of involuntary movements to improve quality of life and prevent self-injury.Includes crucial long-term antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent recurrent episodes and further heart damage.Multidisciplinary approach often involving cardiology for comprehensive care.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Presentation of sudden, jerky, involuntary movements (chorea) in a child or adolescent.
  • Recent history of sore throat or scarlet fever suggestive of streptococcal infection.
  • Other signs of acute rheumatic fever, such as arthritis, carditis, subcutaneous nodules, or erythema marginatum.
  • Emotional instability, clumsiness, or slurred speech accompanying abnormal movements.
  • Findings on diagnostic tests supporting rheumatic fever (e.g., elevated ASO titers, evidence of carditis on echocardiogram).

How to prepare

  • Detailed medical history and physical examination, focusing on recent infections and neurological signs.
  • Throat culture and/or blood tests (ASO, anti-DNase B titers) to confirm prior streptococcal infection.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram to assess for associated rheumatic heart disease (carditis).
  • Neurological assessment to characterize the movement disorder and rule out other causes.
  • Discussion with the patient and family about the chronic nature of rheumatic fever and the importance of long-term follow-up.

Risks & possible complications

  • Progression to rheumatic heart disease, which can cause permanent valve damage (e.g., mitral stenosis).
  • Recurrence of chorea or other rheumatic fever symptoms if antibiotic prophylaxis is not maintained.
  • Side effects from medications used to control movements, such as sedation, dizziness, or liver enzyme changes.
  • Psychosocial impact, including school difficulties, social stigma, and emotional distress due to the visible movements.
  • In rare, severe cases, chorea can be debilitating and interfere with basic activities like walking and eating.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • The choreiform movements typically resolve spontaneously within weeks to months, but medication can hasten improvement.
  • Strict adherence to long-term penicillin (or alternative) prophylaxis is critical to prevent recurrence and protect the heart.
  • Regular follow-up visits with the rheumatologist and cardiologist for monitoring of cardiac status and medication efficacy.
  • Symptomatic support, including physical or occupational therapy, may be recommended to manage motor difficulties.
  • Emotional and educational support for the child and family to cope with the diagnosis and its implications.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-3 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: Several weeks to 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering sydenham chorea in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for sydenham chorea compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 54 – USD 326 0-3 days ~ Several weeks to 6 months Know More
Turkey USD 403 – USD 2,416 0-3 days ~ Several weeks to 6 months Know More
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Rheumatologists for Sydenham Chorea

Explore experienced rheumatologists who regularly perform sydenham chorea and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Akhil Goel
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Rheumatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur

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Dr. Prashant Bafna
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Rheumatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

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Dr. Parthajit Das
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Rheumatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

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Dr. Matam Sri Anusha
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Rheumatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

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Dr. Parashar Ghosh
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Rheumatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

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Dr. Kiran Seth
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Rheumatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11

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Dr. Arghya Chattopadhyay
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Rheumatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

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Dr. Shaloo Bhasin Gagneja Bhasin
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Rheumatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Sourav Pradhan
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Rheumatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

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Dr. M Hema
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Rheumatologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

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Dr. Sumeet Agrawal
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Rheumatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Shallu Verma
  • 6 Years Experience
  • Rheumatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Faridabad

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Dr. Anjana R S
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Rheumatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

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Dr. Ashlesha Shukla
  • 4 Years Experience
  • Rheumatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

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Dr. Satish Rao Kalanje
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Rheumatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

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Dr. Dipak Kumar Ray
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Rheumatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

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Dr. Shweta Khopde
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Rheumatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner

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Dr. Angan Karmakar
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Rheumatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

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Dr. Vaibhavi Velangi
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Rheumatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi

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Dr. Nagnath R. Khadke
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Rheumatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa

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