Diencephalic syndrome (DS) is a rare condition characterized by profound emaciation and failure to thrive (with normal caloric intake and normal linear growth), hyperalertness, hyperkinesia and euphoria, in the presence of hypothalamic tumors.
Chorea (Greek for 'dance') refers to widespread arrhythmic involuntary movements of a forcible, jerky and restless fashion. It is a random-appearing sequence of one or more discrete involuntary movements or movement fragments. Movements appear random because of variability in timing, duration or location. Each movement may have a distinct start and end. However, movements may be strung together and thus may appear to flow randomly from one muscle group to another. Chorea can involve the trunk, neck, face, tongue, and extremities.
[Diagnosis of formes frustes of a rheumatic lesion of the nervous system in children].
Anosov NN, Poliakova LA. Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 1977;77(10):1511-8.
The existence of pathological activity on the EEG in children after an arrest of clinical symptoms of rheumatic fever may indicate to the possible subsequent development of chorea, the diencephalic syndrome, cerebrasthenic syndrome in these children.
