title: Cryptogenic chorea.
abstract: A total of 40 cases of cryptogenic chorea were studied over a period of 4 years in JIPMER Hospital which serves the population of Pondicherry and adjoining regions of South India. Analysis of our cases showed the highest incidence for the 10-15 year age group with no sex predilection. Arthralgia and non-specific fever preceded the onset of chorea in most patients. The majority had generalized chorea of variable severity. Laboratory evidence of rheumatic fever was absent in all cases. The socioeconomic, environmental and cultural factors contributing to persistently high rate of infections together with the absence of evidence of a rheumatic process indicate a non-rheumatic aetiology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, India.
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Anand
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Thakur
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002819:Chorea / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D012424:Rural Population; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
chemical_list: D006220:Haloperidol