What is athetosis? How does it differ from chorea?
From the Greek athetos (without position or place), this is a constant succession of slow, writhing, sinuous, and involuntary spasms, which can present as flexions, extensions, pronations, and supinations of the fingers and hands. Usually along the long axis of the limbs or the body itself, sometimes involving the toes and feet, too, but always affecting the proximal limbs. As a result, the patient may assume different and often peculiar postures. In contrast, chorea is characterized by irregular, arrhythmic, brief, jerky, and spasmodic movements. Still, the distinction between the two is difficult. In fact, chorea and athetosis represent a spectrum of similar abnormal movements of the extremities and face. Hence, the term choreoathetosis. Conditions presenting like this include Huntington’s disease, Sydenham’s chorea, and the chorea of pregnancy.
From the Greek athetos (without position or place), this is a constant succession of slow, writhing, sinuous, and involuntary spasms, which can present as flexions, extensions, pronations, and supinations of the fingers and hands. Usually along the long axis of the limbs or the body itself, sometimes involving the toes and feet, too, but always affecting the proximal limbs. As a result, the patient may assume different and often peculiar postures. In contrast, chorea is characterized by irregular, arrhythmic, brief, jerky, and spasmodic movements. Still, the distinction between the two is difficult. In fact, chorea and athetosis represent a spectrum of similar abnormal movements of the extremities and face. Hence, the term choreoathetosis. Conditions presenting like this include Huntington’s disease, Sydenham’s chorea, and the chorea of pregnancy.