A patient with recent strep infection presenting with restless involuntary movements is likely diagnosed with which condition?

The presence of a recent strep infection alongside restless involuntary movements strongly suggests a diagnosis of Sydenham's chorea. This condition is a neurological disorder characterized by rapid, irregular, and unintentional movements which often occur in the limbs and face. It is associated with rheumatic fever, which can occur following a streptococcal throat infection.

In individuals with Sydenham's chorea, the involuntary movements can be quite pronounced and are often accompanied by other behavioral changes, such as emotional lability and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. This is a classic manifestation that differentiates it from other choreas or movement disorders. The temporal relationship between the infection and the onset of symptoms is a critical factor in reaching this diagnosis.

In comparison, Parkinson's disease typically presents with a resting tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity, which are not features of Sydenham's chorea. Essential tremor generally involves a rhythmic shaking that occurs during voluntary movements and is not linked to infections. Huntington's disease, while also a cause of chorea, is a hereditary condition that usually presents with movements beginning in young adulthood, and is associated with cognitive decline and psychiatric manifestations over time, rather than following an infectious process.

Understanding the