Valproic acid in the treatment of Sydenham chorea.

Severe cases of Sydenham chorea are still difficult to manage because optimal therapy has not been found. In this report severe chorea responded to valproic acid therapy after trials with diazepam and haloperidol had failed. The literature is reviewed and the possible mechanism of action of valproate in this movement disorder is discussed. Valproic acid is proposed as an effective treatment for severe cases of Sydenham chorea.