10 Homeopathic Medicines for Chorea

The term chorea is derived from the word “choreus,” which means to dance. Chorea is a hyperkinetic movement disorder characterized by involuntary and unpredictable body movements, mainly of the limbs and the face. The main symptoms of chorea can be minor like fidgeting (restlessness) or severe uncontrolled movements of the arms and legs. Depending upon the cause difficulties with speech, swallowing and gait may accompany. The cause of chorea can be genetic or non-genetic/acquired. Homeopathic medicines for chorea help manage the associated symptoms in chorea and should only be used as a supportive treatment.     

Causes of Chorea

As stated, chorea can be genetic or acquired.

Genetic causes for chorea include Huntington’s disease (the most common inherited cause of chorea), neuroacanthocytosis, Wilson’s disease, and Benign hereditary chorea.

Non-genetic or acquired causes for Chorea are Sydenham’s chorea (arise as a complication of streptococcal infection), Chorea Gravidarum (that occurs during pregnancy), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), drug-induced (as from medications, anti-epileptic and antipsychotics), senile chorea (uncommon, that occurs in elderly adults ), metabolic disorders like hypoglycemia and endocrine disorders.
In some rare cases, AIDS may also cause chorea.

Homeopathic Medicines for Chorea

Homeopathy plays a supportive role in managing chorea. Homeopathy medicines for managing chorea are of natural origin and don’t have any side effects. The top grade medicines for managing chorea are Tarentula Hispanica, Mygale, Agaricus, Cina, and Causticum. The most suitable medicine is selected based on the individual characteristic features in every case.

1. Tarentula Hispanica – Top Grade Medicine for Chorea

Tarentula Hispanica tops the list of medicines for managing chorea. In cases where this remedy is required, all the limbs are affected with involuntary movements. This can be attended with intense hyperaesthesia (increased sensitivity of skin). Constant movements of the arm, tossing of the arms from side to side, constant motion of hands that leads to difficulty in doing anything with the hand are some accompanying symptoms. Involuntary movements of the leg and feet are prominent, leading to an inability to walk. Difficulty in speech, heaviness of the tongue with involuntary movements, and choreic movements of the head are also present. In such cases, the head is turned violently from side to side and in other directions. Nervous contractions in muscles of the face are also noted. All these movements are less intense at night in cases where Tarentula is required.

2. Mygale – For Uncontrollable Movements of Face, Arms, and Legs

Mygale is a beneficial medicine to treat chorea with uncontrollable movements of arms, legs, and face. Among them, the contractions and movements of facial muscle are most marked. There is a constant motion of the legs. The legs jerk excessively, making it difficult to stand or walk. The gait becomes unsteady and it becomes difficult to keep hands in the same position even for a minute. The person needing Mygale may also have involuntary head movements, throwing the head backward and then forwards is prominent. Constant jerking of the head (mostly to the right side) is also noted. Shrugging of shoulders, difficulty in putting out tongue and grating of teeth at night are other indications to use Mygale. The chorea symptoms get better during sleep and are worse in the morning where Mygale is indicated.

3. Agaricus – For Chorea with Uncertain, Unsteady Gait

Agaricus is well-indicated for cases of chorea where an uncertain, unsteady gait is prominent. While walking the person tumbles over everything in the way. It is given for both involuntary motion/jerking of single muscles of a body part as well as involuntary trembling/dancing of the whole body. The limbs may feel cold and weak with above indications. It is also helpful when chorea affects limbs crosswise i.e. left arm and right leg.

4. Cina – For Chorea Affecting Face and Upper Limbs

Cina is a helpful remedy for chorea affecting the face and upper limbs. The involuntary movements on the face are marked around the eyes. Another feature is throwing of arms from side to side. The limbs are distorted with jerking and trembling. A weakness of the hand is also present, making it difficult to hold things. Complaints usually appear on one side. Few general symptoms like irritability, screaming, striking and restless sleep may also be present.

5. Causticum – For Right-Sided Chorea

Causticum is the next prominent medicine for managing chorea. Causticum is most indicated in cases of chorea when the right side of the body is more affected. The face, tongue, arm, and leg get affected. There is a marked twisting and jerking of limbs. An unsteady gait is present with involuntary body movements. A weakness of muscles is also present with the above symptoms. Worsening of symptoms may be noted during the night. Causticum is also indicated for chorea during pregnancy.

6. Cuprum Met – For Left-sided Chorea

Cuprum Met is a valuable medicine for chorea affecting the left side of the body. There is jerking of arms and legs. The arms and legs also feel weak, weary and lame. There may be muscle contractions. Jerking of hands is also present. The person can hold nothing in hand and the objects fall to the ground. Speech is also affected with trembling of the tongue.

7. Magnesia Phos – For Chorea when Symptoms are Better During Sleep

Magnesia Phos is an important medicine for chorea when symptoms are better during sleep. Involuntary shaking of limbs, face, mouth, and head is present. Involuntary movements of limbs along with contortions may also appear. A sudden forward motion of the head is well-noted. There is jerking of the mouth and speech is also very defective. The symptoms appear only during waking hours.

8. Veratrum Viride – For Chorea when Symptoms are Worse during Sleep

Veratrum Viride is a well-indicated medicine for cases of chorea where symptoms are worse during sleep. The symptoms present are involuntary motions of facial muscles (face turned into horrible contortions), jerking/continual nodding of the head, jerking of arms and legs. Constant movement of the lower jaw may also be present. The speech also gets affected, with the dropping of words when speaking. All of the above movements continue to occur during sleep.

9. Secale Cor – For Chorea when Symptoms Start from the Face

Secale Cor is used in cases of chorea when the chief indication is symptoms beginning in the face and then spreading all over the body. The symptoms may become severe and rise to dance and jumping. The arms and legs are in constant motion. Head movement from side to side is present. The trunk also appears to be in constant motion. The tongue jerks out and speech becomes difficult and indistinct.

10. Kali Bromatum – For Violent Chorea from Fright

Kali Bromatum is a significant medicine to treat violent chorea that arises from fright. Great trembling of hands is noted. Legs and arms are affected. The gait is unsteady, irregular, and staggering (similar to a drunk person walking). The muscles of the face are affected, the tongue protrudes with a jerk, and the person can barely speak. All the movements are violent.