HEMICHOREA Meaning and
Definition
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Hemichorea is a term used in medical literature to describe a specific type of abnormal involuntary movement disorder that affects one side of the body or half of a body part. The condition is characterized by jerky, rapid, and involuntary movements that may appear random and purposeless. These movements primarily affect the arm or leg on one side of the body, resulting in asymmetrical movements.
Hemichorea typically occurs as a result of damage or dysfunction in certain parts of the brain, particularly the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia are a group of structures deep within the brain that are involved in the control and coordination of voluntary movements. Any disruption in this region can lead to imbalances in the control of movements, resulting in the manifestation of hemichorea.
The most common causes of hemichorea include various neurological conditions such as stroke, brain tumors, or infections that affect the basal ganglia. In some cases, it may also be associated with certain metabolic disorders, medication side effects, or genetic abnormalities.
The symptoms of hemichorea can vary in severity and may worsen during periods of stress or emotional arousal. However, the condition itself is typically not life-threatening, but it can significantly impact a person's daily life and functional abilities.
Treatment for hemichorea depends on identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In some instances, medications that help regulate the levels of certain chemicals in the brain may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms. Physical therapy and rehabilitation techniques may also be employed to improve coordination and minimize the impact of the abnormal movements.
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Chorea involving the muscles on one side only.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HEMICHOREA
- hemichorma
- hemichoraa
- hemichorga
- hemichorei
- hemichoree
- hemichorec
- hemichoara
- hemichoarea
- h emichorea
- he michorea
- hem ichorea
- hemi chorea
- hemic horea
- hemich orea
- hemicho rea
- hemichor ea
- hemichore a
Etymology of HEMICHOREA
The word "hemichorea" is derived from two Greek roots: "hemi-" meaning "half" or "one side" and "chorea" meaning "dance".
In medical terminology, "hemichorea" refers to a neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary, irregular, and non-rhythmic movements occurring on one side of the body. The term was coined based on the observation that these movements resemble a type of dance that affects only one side.
Similar spelling words for HEMICHOREA
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