Choreic movement is a type of involuntary twitching often seen in people with neurologic conditions such as Huntington's disease. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /kɒˈriːɪk muːvmənt/ which indicates the pronunciation of each sound in the word. The "ch" is pronounced as /k/ because it comes from the Greek word "χορεία" (choria) which begins with the letter chi (χ). The stress is on the second syllable, and the "ic" at the end is pronounced as /ɪk/.
Choreic movement, also known as chorea, is a term used in medical and neurological contexts to describe a type of involuntary and irregular movement or muscle contraction. It is characterized by sudden, rapid, jerky, and uncontrollable movements that are unpredictable and often appear purposeless or unrelated to the individual's intentions or environment. The term choreic movement is derived from the Greek word "choreia," meaning dance, as the movements can often resemble dance-like motions.
Choreic movements are associated with several neurological conditions, most notably Huntington's disease, a progressive and inherited disorder that affects the brain and leads to the degeneration of certain nerve cells. However, choreic movements can also be observed in other conditions such as Sydenham's chorea (a complication of rheumatic fever), Wilson's disease (a metabolic disorder), or as a side effect of certain medications.
The unpredictable nature of choreic movements can significantly impact an individual's daily life, including their ability to perform simple tasks, maintain balance, or engage in normal motor activities. These movements may involve various body parts simultaneously or be localized to specific regions. In severe cases, choreic movements can be highly disruptive and cause functional impairment, affecting speech, swallowing, and overall coordination.
Treatment options for choreic movements depend on the underlying cause and may involve medications to reduce the severity or frequency of the movements. In some cases, occupational therapy or physical therapy might be recommended to help individuals manage and cope with the symptoms associated with choreic movement.
An involuntary spasmodic twitching or jerking in groups of muscles not associated in the production of definite purposeful movements.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "choreic" is derived from the Greek word "khoreia", meaning "dance" or "chorus". In ancient Greece, choreia referred to the circular movements of dancers in a chorus. Over time, the term "choreic" came to be used in the field of medicine and neurology to describe a specific type of abnormal movement disorder characterized by rapid, jerky, and involuntary movements. Hence, the etymology of "choreic movement" can be traced back to its origins in Greek dance and the subsequent application of the term in medical terminology.