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Sydenham chorea

Alternative Names:

St. Vitus dance

Treatment:

Antibiotics are given to assure clearing of streptococci, the bacteria that cause rheumatic fever. Continuous preventive antibiotics (antibiotic prophylaxis) may be prescribed.

Supportive care is given as necessary to control symptoms of Sydenham chorea. Sedation may be advised in severe cases.

Expectations (prognosis):

Sydenham chorea generally clears up over a course of several months. Under unusual circumstances, a variant form of Sydenham chorea may begin later in life.

Complications:

No complications are expected.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if your child develops uncontrollable or jerky movements suggestive of this disease, especially if the child has recently had a sore throat.

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