Movement, unpredictable - jerky

Alternative names:

chorea; jerky body movements; muscle - jerky movements (uncontrolled)

Definition:

A condition of uncontrolled, purposeless, rapid motions that interrupt normal movement.

Considerations:

Chorea is often accompanied by irritability, weakness, restlessness, and emotional instability.

Typical movements include facial grimacing, raising and lowering the shoulders, or bending and extending the fingers. It can affect one or both sides of the body, unless the face is involved, and then the condition always affects both sides.

These involuntary movements are generally not repetitive and can appear purposeful even though they are involuntary and uncontrollable.

Common causes:

While there are no common causes of chorea, there are several possible causes including Sydenham's chorea, Huntington disease and other rare disorders. The list of all possible causes can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the list will vary based on age and gender of the individual as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for this symptom occurring alone or in combination with other problems.