How Do You Spell EPIDEMIC CHOREA?

Pronunciation: [ˌɛpɪdˈɛmɪk kɔːɹˈi͡ə] (IPA)

Epidemic chorea is a neurological disorder characterized by sudden and involuntary movements of the limbs, trunk, and facial muscles. The spelling of this word is pronounced as /ɛpɪˈdɛmɪk kəˈriə/, where the stress falls on the second syllable. The term "epidemic" refers to the sudden and widespread appearance of the illness, while "chorea" comes from the Greek word "choros," which means "dance." This disorder is also known as Sydenham's chorea, and it often affects children after they have had a strep infection like strep throat.

EPIDEMIC CHOREA Meaning and Definition

1. Epidemic chorea, also known as Sydenham's chorea, is a rare neurological disorder characterized by sudden, involuntary, and irregular movements of the arms, legs, face, and trunk. These movements, referred to as choreiform movements, tend to be rapid, jerky, and unpredictable, making it difficult for individuals affected to control or predict their own movements.

   This condition is often associated with acute rheumatic fever, which is caused by an immune response to group A Streptococcus infection. It typically occurs in children and adolescents and is more prevalent in females than males. Epidemic chorea is suggested to develop weeks to months after the onset of streptococcal infection and may persist for several months before resolving spontaneously.

   The exact cause of epidemic chorea is not fully understood, although it is believed to be related to an autoimmune response triggered by the presence of antibodies against group A Streptococcus bacteria. As these antibodies attack certain areas of the brain, particularly the basal ganglia, they disrupt normal motor function and result in the characteristic involuntary movements seen in epidemic chorea.

   Treatment for epidemic chorea typically involves managing the symptoms rather than curing the underlying condition. This may include the use of anticonvulsant medications, such as benzodiazepines or dopamine receptor blocking agents, to reduce the severity and frequency of the choreiform movements. In some cases, additional interventions like physical therapy and counseling may be offered to help individuals cope with the impact on their daily lives and emotional well-being.

2. Choreomania.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for EPIDEMIC CHOREA

• wpidemic chorea
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• rpidemic chorea
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• epifemic chorea

Etymology of EPIDEMIC CHOREA

The word "epidemic chorea" refers to a medical condition known as Sydenham's chorea or St. Vitus' dance. The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:

1. Epidemic: The word "epidemic" originated from the Greek word "epidēmia", which means "prevalent among the people". It refers to the widespread occurrence of a disease in a particular community or region, affecting a large number of individuals at the same time.

2. Chorea: The term "chorea" comes from the Greek word "khoreia", which means "dance". Historically, this term was used to describe involuntary, jerky movements resembling dancing, usually affecting the limbs or face. In the context of "epidemic chorea", it refers to the characteristic involuntary, purposeless movements observed in individuals with the condition.