CHOREA MAJOR Meaning and
Definition
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Chorea major, also known as Sydenham's chorea or Saint Vitus' dance, is a neurological disorder characterized by sudden, involuntary, and irregular movements of the body. It is most commonly seen in children and adolescents, typically appearing a few months after a streptococcal infection, such as strep throat or scarlet fever.
The term "chorea" refers to the rapid, jerky, and unpredictable movements that are the primary feature of this condition. These movements often affect the face, limbs, and trunk, causing twitching, writhing, and flailing of the body. They can range from mild to severe in intensity and may worsen with physical or emotional stress. Additional symptoms may include muscle weakness, slurred speech, and difficulty with coordination.
Chorea major is considered an autoimmune response triggered by the body's immune system attempting to fight off the streptococcal bacteria but mistakenly attacking healthy cells within the brain. This autoimmune reaction leads to inflammation and dysfunction in a region of the brain called the basal ganglia, which is responsible for controlling movement and coordination.
Diagnosis of chorea major typically involves a physical examination, medical history review, and laboratory tests to confirm the presence of a preceding streptococcal infection and rule out other potential causes. Treatment for this condition often includes management of the underlying infection with antibiotics, as well as medications to reduce inflammation, control movement symptoms, and provide symptomatic relief.
With appropriate treatment, the majority of individuals with chorea major are able to recover fully within a few months to a year. However, in some cases, the symptoms may persist for a longer duration or recur intermittently.
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A spasmodic attack occurring in major hysteria.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CHOREA MAJOR
- xhorea major
- vhorea major
- fhorea major
- dhorea major
- cgorea major
- cborea major
- cnorea major
- cjorea major
- cuorea major
- cyorea major
- chirea major
- chkrea major
- chlrea major
- chprea major
- ch0rea major
- ch9rea major
- choeea major
- chodea major
- chofea major
- chotea major
Etymology of CHOREA MAJOR
The word chorea major comes from two different sources. Chorea is derived from the Greek word khoreia, meaning dance, which itself is a derivative of the Greek word khoros, meaning dance in a ring. It is believed that this term was originally used to describe irregular, involuntary movements resembling a dance.
The term major is used in this context to distinguish it from chorea minor. Minor and major indicate the severity or intensity level of the condition. Therefore, chorea major refers to a more severe form of the disorder, while chorea minor represents a milder form.
Overall, the term chorea major combines the Greek root khoreia with the Latin word major, creating a phrase that translates to major form of irregular movements resembling a dance.
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