What is the recommended treatment for sydenham chorea?

Sydenham chorea is a movement disorder that often occurs as a result of rheumatic fever, primarily affecting children and adolescents. The treatment for Sydenham chorea is aimed at alleviating the involuntary movements and reducing associated symptoms. Haloperidol, an antipsychotic medication, is effective in treating chorea due to its dopamine antagonist properties, which helps control the abnormal movements associated with the disorder.

Using haloperidol as a first-line treatment takes advantage of its efficacy in mitigating chorea symptoms. It is particularly useful for controlling more severe cases and can lead to significant improvements in motor function.

Other medications listed may be used in various movement disorders, but they are not the primary treatment for Sydenham chorea. For instance, valproic acid and carbamazepine are antiepileptic drugs that may help in other conditions but are not specifically tailored for chorea. Similarly, levodopa is primarily used in Parkinson’s disease and does not address the underlying pathophysiology of chorea induced by rheumatic fever. Therefore, haloperidol is the most appropriate and effective treatment for managing symptoms of Sydenham chorea.