Sydenham Chorea Treatment in India
About Sydenham Chorea
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.
-
Typical hospital stay:
0-3 days
-
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.
Top-rated hospitals in India with rheumatology 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 sydenham chorea. MediFyr helps you compare rheumatologists 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 sydenham chorea compare across other countries where we have data.
Krishna Ali, a 15-year-old high school...
Krishna Ali, a 15-year-old high school sophomore and avid soccer player, began experiencing subtle, uncontrollable twitches in her right hand during final exams. Initially dismissed as stress, the movements worsened over three weeks, becoming jerky, purposeless, and spreading to her face and left leg, causing her to drop her phone and struggle to write. Her handwriting became illegible. A pediatrician noted a heart murmur and a recent untreated sore throat, suspecting rheumatic fever. The rheumatologist, Dr. Evans, diagnosed Sydenham Chorea, explaining it was a post-streptococcal autoimmune reaction affecting her brain's movement control center. Treatment began with a high-dose course of penicillin to eradicate any lingering strep bacteria, followed by a tapering course of oral prednisone to calm the immune system. The first week was difficult; the steroids made Krishna feel irritable and bloated, and the chorea didn't improve immediately. She felt isolated and frustrated, missing soccer practice. By the third week, the jerking movements had diminished by nearly 70%. She started physical therapy to regain coordination. After two months, the chorea was virtually gone, and she was cleared for light training. Emotionally, Krishna journeyed from fear and embarrassment about her body 'betraying' her to profound relief. She regained her confidence, though with a new, deep appreciation for her health and a commitment to never ignoring a sore throat again.
Rheumatologists for Sydenham Chorea
Explore experienced rheumatologists who regularly perform sydenham chorea and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 30 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata