Chorea Gravidarum

Proposed mechanisms: ischemia or enhanced dopaminergic sensitivity medicated by changes in hormones during pregnancy.

Risk factors:

(1) antiphospholipid antibodies

(2) drug exposure (oral contraceptive, other)

(3) toxic exposure

(4) infection (rheumatic fever, viral encephalitis)

(5) stress

Clinical features may include:

(1) involuntary, abnormal limb movements (choreiform, other)

(2) facial grimacing

(3) loss of coordination

(4) variable slurring of speech

(5) variable in ability to rest

(6) variable psychosis

Differential diagnosis:

(1) Huntingon's chorea