CHOREIFORM GAIT
The Choreiform Gait appears as a gait pattern mixed of unpredictable accelerations and decelerations in walking speed with superimposed twisting choreatic movements of the trunk, head, arms, and legs.
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Choreiform Gait
A Choreiform Gait, also called a hyperkinetic gait, refers to uncontrollable movements like:
- Oro-facial dyskinesia
- choreographed motions of the body’s limbs (writhing, dance-like semi-purposeful movements)
Although uncontrollable movements appear during rest, walking might amplify them. Conditions including Sydenham’s chorea, Huntington’s disease, and other types of transitory or persistent chorea, abnormal muscle contractions causing involuntary writhing movements., and dystonia result in a hyperkinetic gait. When these patients walk, the irregular motions may become more pronounced and the disease’s symptoms may become more obvious. Walking may emphasize the accompanying irregularities of strength and tone as well as the hyperkinesia itself. Because of so much unnecessary movement and dancing or prancing, the choreiform gait may seem ugly. Despite appearing melodramatic, the gait portrays a serous medical condition.
Unwanted or excessive movements, such as hyperkinetic ones, occur in kids with neurological problems. These movement abnormalities are described using words that are frequently redundant and unclear. When using consistent vocabulary to describe these motions, doctors will better communicate and and implement a clear standard for better understanding. Children with hyperkinetic movements often have dysfunctional basal ganglia and problematic other motor pathways as a result of static or accumulating damage. Although they are frequently observed in the dyskinetic type of cerebral palsy, these motions are also crucial indicators of congenital, acquired, and degenerative disorders.
When children don’t have any prominent underlying neurological issues, they might exhibit benign hyperkinetic movements. Furthermore, the absence of uniform language has been a substantial barrier to medical care and study. The descriptions used in current terminology may not accurately describe the unique characteristics of children’s movement disorders since they utilize adult diseases for descriptions and comparisons.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What causes Choreiform Gait in Children?
Choreiform gait in children often indicates a clinical manifestation of an underlying medical condition. Some of the common causes include:
- Sydenham’s Chorea (Rheumatic Fever): This occurs as one of the most common causes of choreiform gait in children .Doctors define it as an autoimmune reaction to a previous streptococcal infection, such as strep throat.
- Huntington’s Disease: While the gait occurs more with adults, juvenile-onset Huntington’s disease can also cause choreiform movements in children.
- Other Neurological Disorders: Certain neurological conditions, such as Wilson’s disease, cerebral palsy, or certain genetic disorders, may also present with choreiform gait in children.
What are the symptoms of Choreiiform Gait in Children?
Choreiform gait appears as symptoms, which may include:
- Involuntary Movements: Irregular, rapid, and jerky movements, especially in the arms and legs while walking.
- Balance and Coordination Issues: Children with choreiform gait often have difficulty maintaining balance and coordinating their movements.
- Emotional and Behavioral Changes: In some cases, children may also exhibit emotional and behavioral changes, such as mood swings, irritability, or difficulty concentrating.
How do doctors diagnose and treat children with Choreiform Gait?
Diagnosis and treatment of choreiform gait in children involve the following steps:
- Medical Evaluation: A thorough medical evaluation is essential to determine the underlying cause of choreiform gait. This may include a physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests, such as blood tests and neuroimaging.
- Treatment: Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For conditions like Sydenham’s Chorea, antibiotics to treat the streptococcal infection and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed. In other cases, treatment may involve managing symptoms and providing supportive care.
- Physical and Occupational Therapy: Physical and occupational therapy can help improve coordination and mobility in children with choreiform gait. These therapies may include exercises and strategies to enhance balance and reduce involuntary movements.
- Psychosocial Support: Children with choreiform gait may benefit from psychosocial support to address emotional and behavioral changes. This can include counseling and support for both the child and their family.
The doctors and surgeons at Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists treat children with minor and major medical conditions. Call for an appointment for the very best care.
Causes
- Huntington’s disease
- Sydenham’s chorea
- Cerebral palsy
- Wilson’s disease
- Dopaminergic medications
Choreiform Gait Demonstration
This particular walking style associates with several nervous system disorders, of which Sydenham’s and Huntington’s chorea appears as the most prominent. Walking involves oscillating the body either forward or backward, to the right or left. The steps are disorganized and erratic, mimicking an impending fall that forces the patient to halt and rebalance. When the patient tries to walk, the two stiff and spastic lower limbs stay semi-flexed, the feet drag, and the legs cross in front of each other. Leg movement has a scissor-like appearance.
Why Should Parents Choose Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists for their children?
Here are several reasons why parents might choose Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists for their child with choreiform gait.
- Experienced and skilled staff: The clinic has a team of experienced and skilled doctors and surgeons who specialize in treating children with orthopedic conditions. They have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating choreiform gait, and they can develop a personalized treatment plan for your child.
- Advanced technology: The clinic uses advanced technology to diagnose and treat choreiform gait. In addition, this includes MRI, CT scans, and electromyography (EMG). This technology allows the doctors to get a detailed look at your child’s condition and develop the best treatment plan.
- Treatment options: The clinic offers a variety of treatment options for choreiform gait. These include medication, physical therapy, and surgery. The doctors will work with you to choose the best treatment option for your child’s individual needs.
- Friendly and compassionate care: The staff at Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists are dedicated to providing friendly and compassionate care to their patients. They understand that having a child with a medical condition can cause stress for parents, and they are committed to providing support and guidance throughout the treatment process.
If you are looking for a top-quality care for your child with choreiform gait, then Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists is a great option.
Here are some additional things to consider when choosing a doctor for your child with choreiform gait:
- Location: Make sure the doctor’s office is located in a convenient location for you and your child. We have offices in Arlington, Dallas, Flower Mound, Frisco, and McKinney, TX
- Insurance: Make sure the doctor takes your insurance network.
- Hours: Make sure the doctor’s office hours work for your family.
- Communication: Make sure the doctor answers your questions promptly.
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Footnote:
National Library of Medicine: choreiform Gait
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