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Subject: Re: [INMONROE] 1850 Monroe County, Indiana, Mortality Census (Bloomington Tow...
Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2001 20:22:44 EDT
Here is what we know about St Vitus Dance today.
St Vitus Dance, also know as Sydenham's Chorea and Rheumatic Chorea is a
temporary disorder of those parts of the brain that control your movements
and your coordination. It affects both boys and girls but it is more common
in girls and usually appears between the ages of 7 and 14. It is not
contagious.
There are continuous, involuntary jerking movements which lasts for 6-10
weeks and can recur after months or even years. It is caused by a delayed (up
to 6 months) complication of inadequately treated Group A streptococcal
infections, usually of the throat or skin. St. Vitus' dance is more likely to
occur in summer and early autumn. The treatment now is Penicillin or other
antibiotics until adulthood to prevent strep infections and the child should
return to school after the teacher and other children have been educated on
the disorder. Bed rest is to be avoided.
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