Huntington's Disease & Other Chorea

Houston Methodist’s chorea specialists create customized treatment plans for Huntington’s disease and similar conditions that strike in the prime of life. By implementing the latest research, we can help control symptoms and improve your quality of life.

At Houston Methodist, our patients have access to the latest treatments to slow the progression of chorea and improve motor function. We are a national leader in neuromuscular disease diagnosis, treatment and research. Our patients can receive innovative therapies through clinical trials , many of which are not widely available at other medical centers.

Our team of neuromuscular experts provides comprehensive, leading-edge therapies that cover the physical, neurological and emotional symptoms of chorea.

Expertise in All Types of Chorea

Chorea is a movement disorder characterized by short bursts of irregular, non-rhythmic and non-repetitive contractions. Movements flow from one muscle to the next and are frequently accompanied by twisting and writhing motions.  

Huntington's disease is the most common chorea. This inherited movement disorder causes progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and decreases functional abilities. Other types of chorea include:

• Sydenham's chorea – contracted from Streptococcus bacteria. 
• Chorea gravidarum – which can be triggered by bacteria, use of oral contraceptives or previous acute rheumatic fever that appeared during pregnancy and disappeared after delivery.
• Chorea from other sources – such as reactions to drugs or medications, hyperthyroidism or vascular incidents such as a stroke or Wilson’s disease (an accumulation of copper in the body).