Athetosis, known as choreoathetosis, is a condition characterized by slow, irregular, twisting, snake-like movements which occur in the upper extremities, especially in the hands and fingers. Athetosis is often associated with chorea. There are several types of athetosis; each type can be differentiated by its muscle tone fluctuations.

In general, symptoms of this condition may occur due to basal ganglia involvement in the following conditions: encephalitis, cerebral palsy, hepatic encephalopathy and Huntington's chorea. The condition may also result from drug toxicity, or it may be an untoward effect of extended use of levodopa used in the treatment of parkinsonism.

The involuntary, slow, irregular, twisting, snake-like movements experienced with this condition result in an inability to sustain the body, especially the extremities, in one position. These symptoms may occur in all four limbs, or the involvement may be unilateral. Excessive degrees of flexion and extension may be encountered.

Measures used in the diagnosis of the condition include: general inspection; assessment of muscle tone and range of motion (ROM); and computed tomography (CT) scan.

Instituted measures of therapy are based on the etiology of the particular case. Medications are not usually effective. As with other choreic disorders, psychotherapy may be instituted to decrease anxiety and stress.

Progression of the movement disorder may occur in some cases after decades of no apparent change.

• May be entitled to special monthly compensation where the Veteran has a single service-connected disability rated as 100% with additional service-connected disability or disabilities independently ratable at 60% or more, which are separate and distinct from the 100% service-connected disability and involves different anatomical segments or bodily systems. See  38 CFR 3.350(i)(1) – Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).

• None.