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Warning-sign checks

Sydenham chorea: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if there is trouble breathing, choking, loss of consciousness, a seizure, or sudden weakness on one side.

    Sudden one-sided weakness or speech loss may be a stroke rather than Sydenham chorea and needs emergency assessment.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange a prompt medical assessment for new unexplained jerky movements, marked clumsiness, facial grimacing, or sudden changes in speech or walking.

    Assessment is also important if these symptoms occur after a sore throat, skin infection, joint pain, fever, or previous rheumatic fever.

    Seek urgent medical help if the person:

    • Cannot eat or drink safely because of movements
    • Has repeated falls or cannot walk safely
    • Develops new shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or a racing heartbeat
    • Has severe agitation, confusion, or a major change in awareness
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Contact the healthcare team during routine follow-up if movements are becoming more disruptive, school or sleep is suffering, emotional symptoms are persistent, or preventive antibiotic doses have been missed.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Sydenham chorea. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.