Sydenham chorea an acute, generally self-limited, neurological disorder seen most often in children between the ages of 5 and 15 years or in women during pregnancy; it is closely linked with rheumatic fever. It is characterized by involuntary movements that gradually become severe and affect all motor activities, including gait, arm movements, and speech. A mild psychic component is usually present. It may be limited to one side of the body (hemichorea) or may take the form of muscular rigidity