Sydenham's chorea is a self-limiting disorder of movement occuring most frequently in association with rheumatic fever. It occurs mainly in females, with onset between the ages of 5 and 15 or during pregnancy. The onset is generally 2 to 6 months after streptococcal infection.

ESR and antistreptolysin O titres are usually normal; this is because the episodes occur long after the original infection.

Symptoms usually last for 3-6 months. Occasionally symptoms last for up to 1 year.