Sydenham Chorea (Cont.)

Treatment Options for Sydenham Chorea

There is no specific treatment to cure Sydenham chorea. Instead, Sydenham chorea treatment involves supportive care, meaning that treatment focuses on reducing or relieving symptoms while the body recovers. Supportive Sydenham treatment can include:
 
  • Bed rest
  • Sedatives
  • Medications (such as diazepam) for controlling movements.
     
Treatment may also involve the use of penicillin for treatment of the fever or infection. Doctors may prescribe penicillin prophylaxis to avoid further infections with streptococcal bacteria.
 

Sydenham Chorea: Prognosis

Generally, the prognosis for patients with Sydenham chorea is good; most people with the disorder recover completely. The duration of Sydenham chorea varies, with the average case lasting three to six weeks.
 
Occasionally, cases of Sydenham chorea may last for several months. Treatment is usually reserved for these more extended cases or when severe chorea symptoms are present.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD